A Tribute to Seiji Ozawa

At the top of yesterday’s concert (2/9) at Symphony Hall, our President & CEO Chad Smith shared a few words honoring Seiji Ozawa’s legacy, followed by a performance led by Karina Canellakis of Bach’s “Air on G” - a work he often shared as a farewell to his friends during his lifetime - and a moment of silence.
--
Follow us on all of our social channels!
Facebook: / bostonsymphony
Instagram: @bostonsymphony
Twitter: @BostonSymphony

[@billgirolamo9015]

A beautiful tribute to Seiji Ozawa, his legacy, his inspiration, and the gifts he brought not only to Boston but to the world of Music.

[@user-wm2fz3li4n]

小澤さんは日本で長い晩年を過ごし亡くなった。しかし彼は長くボストンで活躍し愛され、クラシック音楽の聖地ウィーンに招かれた。ボストン、世界が彼を喪ったのだ。われわれ日本人は彼らにお悔やみを言わなければならない。

[@crazyorganist1609]

Thank you Maestro Ozawa for everything. Rest in perfect peace. The purity of Bach's Air on a G String soothes the soul and unites us all in grief.

[@papagen00]

To add to Chad Smith's fine tribute, Ozawa was also instrumental in starting Western classical music culture in Japan that grew and lasted to this day -- Tokyo has world's only Tower Records store, and the world's biggest (only?) classical music CD market.

[@gdd29]

Very true. He started and lead the "Saito Kinen Orchestra" in Japan that has been the cupid for us Japanese to meet with the true beauty of Western classical music especially Brahms. Saito Kinen has been the best and Seiji's legacy.

[@NN-df7hl]

Nice tribute. But wish the announcer had spoken more about what a trailblazer Ozawa was, breaking down barriers for Asian musicians at a time when they were considered to be "unfit" for Classical Music. Thus proving just how universal the genre is.

[@kaisergnocchi2]

Only Ozawa managed to break this barrier; the many of Asian musicians continue to be categorized as unfit for classical music.

[@NN-df7hl]

@@kaisergnocchi2 But he paved the way for folks like Yo-Yo, Kyung Wha Chung...now Yuja Wang and Seong-Jin Cho and Yunchan Lim, etc., not to mention conductors like Myung-Whun Chung, Kent Nagano, Xian Zhang. Also, Zubin Mehta, a colleague, benefited from his exposure. Yes, there are still prejudices and barriers. But it's a world of difference between then and now. Can't imagine what it must've been like to be the first Asian in the spotlight. Pretty tough, I'm sure. So it'd be more correct to say he helped EVERYONE who may have felt left out of the genre. Like nowadays it's not such a big deal to see female conductors and soloists of color. And this idea that Asians are "too robotic" in music-making is finally dissolving for good. I cannot believe, for example, any critic alive saying Yunchan Lim is merely a machine. If he did then he should be pronounced deaf and dumb. ;)

[@kaisergnocchi2]

@@NN-df7hl It's such an annoying theme that Asians are playing like machines; not that it's a racial tendency, please observe that it's a result of artistic paths and personal idealism of that artist. It's shameful that opinions like Asians not understanding "our" music still exist. Artists mentioned by you, are part of humanity's heritage, perhaps the result of developing and opening up in academies, rather than stemming from a modern Asian tendency to adapt to Western culture.

[@NN-df7hl]

​@@kaisergnocchi2 Great Music is universal, able to touch anyone and everyone. So I never understood how a certain race could be said to never "get it." Frankly, I think the establishment just got jealous over the influx of talent from Asia and wanted to find any excuse to knock it down. I hope they now feel ashamed about it. Yes, Asians are also developing their own "Classical Music," through home-grown composers, mixing idioms and cultures. It's an exciting time. :)

[@josepablo1514]

Seiji Ozawa will go on living through the music and art we were given by him on his monumental recordings.

[@CMECD]

平和を希求し続けて旅立った彼に心からの栄誉と感謝を。音楽は言語を超えて人をつなぐはず。争いの時代に戻らぬように彼の理念を受け止めたい。どうぞ安らかに。

[@DeanCassady]

No applause, but silence, for him.

[@kazuhikokoike8725]

This deeply heartfelt memorial performance by BSO members may touched a chord with Maestro. Thank you BSO.

[@asjp]

きっと今頃小澤さんはヨーロッパに行く際に貨物船に乗せて行ったあの日の丸のついたスクーターを乗り回し、元気に昔の恩師や仲間のところに遊びに行ってると思います。まだ多様性もさほどなかった時代に、日本から来た指揮者を何十年にも渡り支えてくださったオケ関係者の皆さん、ボストン市民の皆さんに感謝です。。

[@velauthammorgan4283]

😊

[@amadeushsu1981]

The spirit of Maestro Ozawa lives on ...

[@christophercurdo4384]

I have spent many a night seated close to this stage looking up at Seiji Ozawa conducting and at the wonderful violist Cathy Basrak performing and although I have not known these individuals personally I share her tears at this great loss. Rest in peace Seiji and thanks to both of you for your dedication and gifts.

[@erlandschneck-holze4476]

R.I.P. great maestro!

[@sailingsam3815]

Beautifully played...brings back memory of Seiji Ozawa conducting Boston Symphony at Carnegie Hall.

[@SergejRazinkov]

Seiji Ozawa war einer von der größten Dirigenten unserer Zeit bei welchem man immer die lebendige Musik hörte! Musik die immer mit der Geist der Liebe, Kummer, Freude....erfüllt war. Leider werden wir solche lebendige Konzerte sehr selten in unserer Zeit zu erleben. Danke Maestro.

[@theemporersnewclothes]

A fitting tribute to an awesome conductor

[@crazyorganist1609]

He really was awesome.

[@michaelwright1177]

I was a bassoon student at New England Conservatory in 1991. I got to see him conduct many rehearsals and concerts. A great experience.

[@gwang3103]

This is a sad loss. I still listen to Respighi's Roman symphonic poems and the Chinese piece 'Little Sisters of the Grassland' as conducted by Ozawa. Brilliant conductor. May you find peace in the hereafter, sir. You will be remembered.

[@melaniamonicacraciun9900]

😢😢😢 Rest in Peace gentle giant, condolences the family, fans are invited to organize tribute events keeping the memory alive, Maestro Seiji is still a great teacher of conducting but as well, having the proper approach towards the classical music 😢😢😢 people that made of our lives a better place never die, we can not forget them, they are immortal unforgettable forever alive in our hearts 😢😢😢

[@arinosuke5096]

Very beautiful performance！ Maestro SEIJI will live on in our hearts!

[@marthafortier]

Maestro Ozawa will be missed as he was loved, greatly.

[@muse5853]

Thank you for the solemn and beautiful performance honoring Seiji. I was so impressed by a very moving speech by the CEO Chad Smith. We all miss an unparalleled conductor of the world. R.I.P. Maestro.

[@user-wc6my1ne3i]

ありがとうございます！

[@ninirosso9866]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏼😢 Rest in Peace, Maestro! Thank for the music, end deep love from Argentina!

[@user-fe4sw6ql4s]

思い出せばＮ響との三十数年振りの演奏会で阪神大震災の犠牲者に対し、同じバッハのアリアを指揮されたマエストロ小澤が目に浮かびます。ありがとうマエストロ！

[@GuaPanda]

Beautiful tribute. Touched my heart. Music brings us together. He will be missed.

[@doromamire]

Seiji Ozawa, distinguished for his profound influence in the realm of classical music, solidified his status as an eminent conductor in the late twentieth century. His presence, characterized by a compelling gravitas, captivated orchestral performers. Under his baton, orchestras were seemingly entranced, coalescing around his artistic vision, thereby weaving performances of meticulous craftsmanship and nuanced interpretation.

[@carlosemmerich1200]

Beautiful homage to Ozawa san! RIP, Seiji Ozawa!!❤

[@matumatu3683]

ありがとう。

[@fjfjrfjfjr]

Much gratitude.

[@kenccwong418]

Seiji , your music will live in our hearts. Rest in peace.

[@user-wp4ju4hp5w]

I remember Ozawa used Vic Firth as the timpanist in a Japanese Orchestra concert years ago.

[@danielwmwolf]

Wonderful. Thank you for helping me to pay tribute to master born in eternity.🙏

[@ksenijacizek5901]

RIP Maestro Ozawa.

[@hot4989]

ありがとうございます。

[@guy-tm1xl]

演奏が終わった後の沈黙を見て涙が止まりませんでした。ありがとう。

[@janetshapiro4669]

We truly have lost a giant in the world of music. However, as was said, he lives on through the current BSO and in all the performances in Symphony Hall now and forever, which venue he gracefully lifted up with his musical talent and shared with us to enjoy. Thank you Maestro Seiji Ozawa.

[@jmer9126]

Thank you. I will miss his influence and music. One deep impression on me was his Carmina Burana. Goodbye and many thanks, Maestro ❤

[@TrinityDivineMozart]

He was a absolutely wonderful and handsome man in the Tokyo and Boston orchestras. 🎼🙏

[@LutherAllen-dj5yu]

Yeah Deb Sr. I appreciate it.

[@paololaconi4036]

Grazie Maestro. ❤

[@kevinshih3799]

rest in peace maestro 🙏

[@ezequielferreiratrompete]

Brasil chora a partida de Sheiji Osawa Santos - Brasil

[@lizwillis7595]

Thank you. Sky is awesome with blowing wind joining Seiji and Bach.

[@user-in1pc3sn8l]

Thank you bso. Salute to all of you. From Japan

[@user-ym5wf7qx5l]

Your previous performance of Holst's ``Planets'' with Seiji Ozawa is the best moment for me.Thank you!

[@LutherAllen-dj5yu]

Bob. It be a honor for have you help me with the podcasts We will have fun. I promise

[@denisegomesdias5580]

My deepest respect from Brazil 🇧🇷

[@violinhunter2]

Sometimes, Elgar's Nimrod variation is played on occasions like this but not today.

[@pedroalbertosierraespinoza865]

El gran maestro, ha sido mi favorito !!!!! hermoso hombre....hermosas sus interpretaciones...no podía ser de otra forma....el Universo valora a uno de los más grandes directores de orquesta !!!!

[@duwir5959]

They have treated him so badly in his last years.

[@wushuhuang8840]

Thank you BSO

[@robertallen1527]

Thank you Seiji!

[@fatdoi003]

the only student of both Karajan and Bernstein and now he's with them....

[@haydenwayne3710]

I met Ozawa as a fellow artist. He was brusquely rude and arrogant. He was competent. But, seriously, tell me a landmark performance he contributed to the other notable colleagues of worthy notice.

[@wondonpark9414]

R.I.P Maestro Seiji !

[@LutherAllen-dj5yu]

I WILL BRING THE TROPHY THEN THE ACADEMY AT THE LAKE.

[@guavajellyjam]

♥️💔🕯️🕊️🙏🏼

[@litoboy5]

R.I.P.

[@user-po5uc8te7f]

Beautifully performed. Man, she is hard to follow.

[@user-ij6lg8of9q]

😢😮 あまりに美しく哀しみ溢れて，すでに天に召された全ての方々を癒し赦し😮更にご苦労に報われん事を、せいじさんあなたのために祈ります，またあなたの願い;「戦争を繰り返さない」私も同じ希望です、残り８５以降も全力で祈って行動し，天へ帰れますようお力をください❣️

[@De_mitaSiburian-uw7xs]

Nice

[@user-xb7ml5bh8e]

お悔やみ申し上げます

[@user-it6kv8rb3k]

고인의 명복을 빔니다.

[@eiskid64]

Sorry Seiji for that little mistake: I think it was Bach's original "Air in D-major" from the Orchestral Suite No. 3 and not as announced the arrangement for violin and orchestra called "Air on G" by german violinist August Wilhelmj.

[@therionlagattapifa1264]

Esattamente.

[@barbaramills8833]

😂SF Symphony gives concerts in Stern Grove in the summer. On one of those days I came barreling own the path to almost crash into him at the bottom. Mortifying. Thank goodness I didn’t!

[@korean.neri927]

삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다.

[@ac8155]

他的門生是有褔的。

[@marciareginaferreira6489]

🌠🤍💮🎻🎶🦋

[@golwol]

この指揮を見たら、すぐにレッスンして直すだろうな、小澤さんなら。

[@raymondfelsted9541]

10:00 am

[@LutherAllen-dj5yu]

OKAY..SEARCHER AND SEARCHERS HAVE TWO DIFFERENT COGNIATIONS. ONE SINGULAR AND ONE IS PLURAL, SO THEY ARE TWO DIFFERENT BASED ON QUANTITY UGH.

[@LutherAllen-dj5yu]

MEXICAN RESTAURANT DO THEY REALIZE HOW BAD THAT IS NO. I GOT TO TALK TO HER

[@Itapirkanmaa2]

What's the purpose of that woman? Is she kin to Ozawa or something?

[@violinhunter2]

Indeed. She was superfluous, like an ornament. I remember when Claudio Abaddo "conducted" one of Bach's Brandenburg concertos with a really small ensemble - truly unnecessary.

[@emjay2045]

Conductor …

[@thechansfamily]

A rather rude question, I would say.

[@Itapirkanmaa2]

@@thechansfamily I mean is she supposed to conduct the orchestra? There are schools for it.