The New York Philharmonic has named a new conductor to follow Alan Gilbert, his name is Jaap van Zweden who is currently the music director for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. You may be familiar with the New York Philharmonic, as they are frequently featured on PBS. Honestly, I am not familiar with Mr. van Zweden but I do recommend the introduction in today’s New York Times.
In the article, Michael Cooper captured a wonderful quote that is inspirational to me. He quoted a statement during an interview with Mr. van Zweden that captures the essence of being world class. After a statement referring to Mr. van Zeden’s love for musical scores and for preparing concerts, Michael Cooper quoted Mr. van Zeden:
“The most little detail can give you a satisfaction you cannot imagine. Surgery is great, but brain surgery is even greater.”
That I believe is the essence of being world class. Yes, you must be passionate. Yes, you must be an expert in your field. But, too me, that is just surgery. Brain surgery is getting into the details. Not just know what all of the notes mean, but knowing composer inside and out. Understanding where the composer was sitting when he wrote the piece. Understanding the initial purpose of the piece and the state of mind of the composer at the time. Knowing every forte and every pianissimo, while knowing precisely where to begin and end the crescendo. That is world class.
Too be world class, you must be a brain surgeon. Not just any surgeon, but a brain surgeon. In the field that you are most passionate about, you must know everything there is to know, while being open to discovering more.
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