Kurt Masur German conductor Date of Birth: 18.07.1927 Country: Germany

1. Biography of Kurt Masur
2. Concerts and Performances
3. Masur's Conducting Style
4. Interpretation of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No.6

Biography of Kurt Masur

Kurt Masur, a renowned German conductor, recently arrived in Moscow. He conducted two concerts together with the Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Great Symphony Orchestra as the leader of the National Orchestra of France. Masur conducted from memory, without a score, which added maximum freedom and unity to the music he performed. Russian music lovers are familiar with Masur through numerous recordings with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, which he led in the 1970s and 1980s. As an exceptionally talented creative individual, he managed to transcend the boundaries of Eastern Europe and achieve deserved recognition by leading prestigious ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic (1991-2002) and currently the National Orchestra of France.

Concerts and Performances

During his visit to Moscow, Masur showcased his versatility as both an ensemble player and a performer of major works by Russian composers. On the first evening, he accompanied Elizaveta Leonskaya, a compatriot now living in Vienna, who performed Brahms' Second Piano Concerto. This composition requires performers to possess a great breath, temperament, and a wide emotional range, all of which were evident in Leonskaya's and Masur's interpretation. Even unexpected discrepancies between the orchestra and the soloist, such as at the end of the second movement, did not disrupt the overall impression of the beauty and harmony of this performance.

On the following evening, Natalia Gutman played the famous Dvorak Cello Concerto, a work that serves as a calling card for many outstanding cellists. Gutman's energetic and courageous manner of playing was supported by the musicians of the Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Great Symphony Orchestra. The wind section in particular stood out, confidently navigating the challenges of this score.

Masur's Conducting Style

If one attempts to convey the impression of Masur's conducting style, it can be said that its main quality is the ability to liberate and reveal the orchestra's sonic potential. The exceptional soloists of the orchestra were given the opportunity to demonstrate their virtuosity and musicianship. This was especially evident in Shostakovich's First Symphony, where the fabric of the music is woven from the solo statements of the winds and the first violin. Another noteworthy detail is that Masur conducted from memory, without a score, which allowed for maximum freedom and integrity in the music he performed.

Interpretation of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No.6

Masur presented a convincing and beautifully executed interpretation of Tchaikovsky's Sixth Symphony. He emphasized its infernal-fairytale subtext, bringing it closer to "The Nutcracker" and "Sleeping Beauty". This was particularly evident in the second and third movements, the waltz and scherzo, which were elegant and ballet-like in their rendition. Of course, it was impossible to avoid the tragic moments of the first and final movements. However, Masur strived to be as restrained as possible, avoiding any overly dramatic intonations or excessive interpretations, which were characteristic of some previous interpretations by Russian conductors. The famous code of the Finale was particularly impressive; Masur brought out the sound of the low strings, creating a sense of gradual descent into an abyss from which there is no return.