Orchestras have become used to the emphasis on the separation of layers, of the ultimate precision and clarity.
Esa-Pekka SalonenMy music wouldn't sound the way it does if I hadn't had the experience of conducting.
Esa-Pekka SalonenWhen an artist works today or whenever, it's not about creating immortal masterpieces, because that's the one thing we don't decide ourselves.
Esa-Pekka SalonenIn the range of music that we play - roughly 300 years' worth-there really are more similarities than differences.
Esa-Pekka SalonenI think we still do have a PR problem in the sense that these institutions portray themselves quite often as a museum without the contemporary wing. For a young cutting-edge person, why would you get into that sort of business, which is very clearly geared towards dead or almost dead people?
Esa-Pekka Salonen