Jean Vermeil

A series of exhaustive interviews with Boulez, in the course of which he opines on such topics as selection of repertoire, the art of gesture, the exercise of authority, rehearsal, recording, venues, audiences, nations, the future, music education and his conductorial colleagues (he respects Karajan, but wishes that "a person of his caliber did not marshal his forces in favor of a richer and more interesting activity." One part of the book is fascinating -- a self-described "fairly comprehensive" listing, compiled by Paul Griffiths, of Boulez' public concerts from 1955 through 1995. In many places during the interviews, Vermeil seems to indict Boulez for not performing often enough the works of his contemporaries and his juniors. However, after reviewing Boulez' indefatigible efforts around the globe to champion "modern" music, to ding him for not doing more seems churlish in the extreme. For myself, each of Boulez' recordings is a special document, sui generis, and to be treasured for the quality of his imagination and his expressive skill.… (more)