In Praise of Barenboim

[Ralph]

Barenboim's harmonious message goes beyond classical music

Leader
Sunday April 30, 2006

Observer
Suddenly, classical music has become sexy. In the course of a single month, one man - conductor and pianist Daniel Barenboim - has achieved what generations of musicians and musicologists have strived to achieve: to find a way of talking about music that makes us see its relevance to our everyday existence.

This week, he will give the fifth and final talk in his remarkable series of BBC Reith lectures that have graced Friday mornings these past weeks. Despite his opening confession that he firmly believed 'it is impossible to really, deeply speak about music... it says everything and its says nothing', his calm and rational argument for music to be put at the forefront of our lives, and not merely serve as a collective soundtrack, has captured the imagination, not only of classical music lovers, but also those of us with only limited exposure to the works of the great composers. But it is his contention that music is a force for change, for good and, yes, for harmony, that has been most inspiring.

Anyone who has heard his extraordinary West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, an ensemble made up of Arab and Israeli musicians, cannot fail to be moved.

Here is peaceful collaboration in action; young people from communities which, though apparently hopelessly divided, have come together to make music and, in the process, understand more about each other and each other's cultures.

'No matter how great an individual you are, music teaches you that creativity only works in groups,' says Barenboim, 'and the expression of the group is very often larger than the sum of the parts.' The Divan Orchestra made a triumphant appearance last year at the Proms, Barenboim addressing the promenaders with the passion and conviction he has shown this month on the radio.

Last week, the programme was announced for this year's Proms season at the Albert Hall, including opportunities for more audience inclusion in music-making. Barenboim's evangelical zeal will surely ensure more listeners, too, through radio, podcast and TV. Bravo!

[Lance]

How good it is to see something peaceful in the news about groups who are usually divided. Here's one man—Barenboim—who is trying to change the world with the only thing he knows best: music. Accolades galore to Mr. Barenboim. I hope what he is trying to do catches on quickly.

[Ralph]

How good it is to see something peaceful in the news about groups who are usually divided. Here's one man—Barenboim—who is trying to change the world with the only thing he knows best: music. Accolades galore to Mr. Barenboim. I hope what he is trying to do catches on quickly.

*****

Methinks Pizza won't agree about this man.

[Lance]

How good it is to see something peaceful in the news about groups who are usually divided. Here's one man—Barenboim—who is trying to change the world with the only thing he knows best: music. Accolades galore to Mr. Barenboim. I hope what he is trying to do catches on quickly.

*****

Methinks Pizza won't agree about this man.

Well, musically, I've never been a great fan or Barenboim—though there are some good things from him as a pianist. As a conductor, he's not high on my personal list. Politically, he's certainly made a name for himself!