Concertgebouworkest - A portrait in seven Chief Conductors

The sound of the Concertgebouworkest is unique. How has it developed and maintained its musical identity? How have the individual seven chief conductors given the musical heritage a new, personal identity?
In the late 19th century, classical music was not thriving in the Netherlands. The capital, Amsterdam, had no great orchestra like Berlin and Vienna. Until Johannes Brahms turned the tide.
In 1884, when conducting his Third Symphony in Amsterdam the musicians' level disappointed him. When leaving he said he would only return to Amsterdam for a good meal and a drink.
The regents could hardly let that humiliation go unheeded. This small country that sails all over the world that builds dykes to keep the water out and produces great painters built a real concert hall. One of the best in the world: The Concertgebouw.
It opened in 1888 and the temple got its own orchestra: The Concertgebouworkest.
In its more than 130 years the Concertgebouworkest has had only seven chief conductors: Willem Kes, Willem Mengelberg, Eduard van Beinum, Bernard Haitink, Riccardo Chailly, Mariss Jansons and Daniele Gatti.
The sound of the Concertgebouworkest is unique. How has it developed and maintained its musical identity?
How have the individual seven chief conductors given the musical heritage
a new, personal identity?

[@notaire2]

Sehr verständliche und kompakte Erklärung von diesen sieben unvergleichlichen Chefdirigenten zusammen mit vielen wertvollen Fotos und Bildern. Wunderbar!

[@jaspervanberkel766]

fascinerend beeld door de tijd, met onvergelijkbare persoonlijkheden, dank voor dit!

[@yp3424]

B. Haitink's last concert & the ovation was one of the most moving moments in Concertgebouw's history.

[@parkthoven]

Well, when the maestro dropped the baton when finishing Mahler no.9 in 1987 Christmas Matinee it was the most moving moment to me~~:) RIP maestro~~

[@yp3424]

All of them were excellent musicians and versatile personalities. Amazing conductors, leading one of the most prestigious orchestras of the world. However, the best,in my opinion was maestro Bernard Haitink who closely connected his name with Concertgebouw, not only for his unique impeccable style, but also as an innovator of video (DVD) & CD era. They inspired & matched perfectly one another. The outcome was a series of fabulous recordings they left behind.

[@pakkmr.5099]

wonderful

[@zircon345]

What about Jochum?

[@luizcarlosfigueiredo7923]

Lindíssimo! Saudades de Mariss Jansons. Muito obrigado.

[@shivabalannagakumaran6019]

Mariss Jansons and Bernard Haitink are undoubtedly best Chief Conductors in the history of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. But the sad part is that Mariss Jansons never had a proper successor to succeed him after 2015 especially as a result of Daniel Gatti getting sacked due to his inappropriate behaviour in 2018. The Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra already chose Sir Simon Rattle as their new Chief Conductor. I hope the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra will find a new Chief Conductor very soon and make Mariss Jansons proud. I do hope that the next Chief Conductor can be respectful to the Musicians and can serve for a long time.

[@omatje14]

Betekent dit dat Chef Nr. 8 er binnenkort aan komt?

[@apocalypserx5082]

Mengelberg built everything.

[@stefanreggel]

🍀🎶🍀

[@duwir5959]

Jansons was the best choice, Haitink, Beinum and Mengelberg are also great musicans.

[@AceHardy]

👨‍🍳