This Is The Most Important Piece Of Music Ever Written | Conductor Benjamin Zander Speaks To Forbes

Boston Philharmonic Conductor Benjamin Zander joins "Forbes Talks" to discuss Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, classical music, his legendary career, and more.
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[@maziarheidari]

This interview with Benjamin Zander is a must-watch for inspiration and motivation. Zander is a world-renowned conductor and teacher, and his insights into the power of music and leadership are thought-provoking and uplifting. He shares personal anecdotes, wisdom from his years of experience, and a contagious enthusiasm for life that will leave viewers with shining eyes. Whether you're a music lover or not, this interview reminds you of the transformative power of art and the importance of leading with possibility and joy.

[@henniebogan1966]

I came to appreciate classical music later in life. Through my curiosity, I happened across Benjamin's Ted Talk and also his videos working with students. As a percussionist I have learned, through his teaching me, to appreciate every note from every instrument. To see my world thru shining eyes and to better understand the power of music to transform lives. Thank you Benjamin! Your gift to me cannot be repaid except for me to share what you have taught with the world.

[@colinforrest6615]

Please Ms. Brady, let Mr. Zander speak. When your guest is a masterful storyteller, the best thing to do is to get out of the way and let him tell his stories.

[@NickzAndMikz]

She's doing a horrible job. Let the man speak

[@clintgolub1751]

I’m so happy he gave this interview. The 9th is *SO* *AMAZING* in fact, it’s become too easy to take it for granted given its ubiquity as Mr. Zanders was stating. So many critics and fellow composers consider this the high water mark of the Romantic tradition, and I completely agree but also as Benjamin said, there’s so many variations of this piece. The metronome being beloved by Beethoven for notational purposes was not something I expected to hear!

[@postman2758]

Mr Zander, gives optimism, hope and light to life. He makes almost everything possible.

[@MrKlemps]

It is just possible that after his close friend, Gustave Dudamel, takes his position with the NY Philharmonic that Ben will be invited as guest-conductot. That would constitute 'justice' for Ben's many friends and admirers.

[@raymondhummel5211]

Yes all mankind can be brothers! So powerful! Easy melody rising and falling step by step musically and vocally. Good luck at Carnegie Hall! Beethoven's ninth symphony world famous! Interesting piece is about humanity, the joy, etc. So uplifting, just what we need in a confused world.! His comment the piece lifts the human spirit. That is powerful! Yes I remember him mentioning shiny eyes in another one of his videos. If the artist sees shiny eyes looking back at him it is a good sign that the performer is reaching his audience, which leads to more enjoyable effect by the listeners, which could be the catalyst in forming a new or deeper love for music.

[@catap1450]

You forgot the title!!!

[@kingvii7250]

The piece is also the European Anthem.

[@phristo]

is Title the Title?

[@MrKlemps]

Adding timpani pitches to the Ninth or other works is a very dicey proposition. The point is this: had Beethoven access to modern pedal timpani there is no telling what has timpani parts would have looked like. A few "revisions" seem a falsification and just sound "wrong". Beethoven would likely have created enormously difficult timpani parts beyond the imagination of even gifted mortals like Ben Zander. Think of what the composer of the Hammerklavier Sonata would have written for four pedal timpani!!

[@zandermedia.office]

It is a slippery slope, as you point out, but this particular instance is a "no brainer" (I apologize for the mixed metaphor). A Fanfare calls for trumpet and drums. If B. hadn't wanted the timpani at this place, (unthinkable) he would not have used them for the two notes that he had available. "There is no telling what his timpani parts would look like" doesn't apply here, because there is only one option.

[@brianhughes3312]

Mahler 2nd has overtaken the Bee's 9th for me.

[@pedrosherpa5848]

That magic exists in music and nature but unfortunately not abundant in the rest.

[@mysticmouse7261]

I hate the word iconic. It has become vacuous it's so overused

[@jakeplonk888]

“Most important piece of music ever written.” I guess we can all throw our Art of Fugue score in the bin then… 🙄 There’s always something a bit comical about our national treasure Mr Zander 😂😂😂

[@zandermedia.office]

Notice I didn't say: "the greatest" piece of music. I would never be so foolish as to suggest that we can name one work as greater than all others (Don Giovanni anyone?). I said the "most important". I'll stick to my claim, even though it may make me look a bit "comical". It seems that everything in Western culture was influenced in some way by Beethoven's Ninth. No one is suggesting that other works be thrown away. I wouldn't throw away the Chaminade flute concertino, let alone the Art of the Fugue, but it is sometimes interesting to ruminate on the pivotal events that seem to shift the very foundations of our culture. BZ

[@dacovaz]

@@zandermedia.officeWell said, dear Benjamin. Let that be a right brain nuanced, intelligent answer to all left brain simplistic comments above. - D. Cools PS: I am referring to Iain McGilchrist for those who are not aware of how their brain works.

[@comdutch]

0:47 'It's known by everybody' .... obviously not the composers proper family name.... the composer is called 'van Beethoven', not 'Beethoven'... it's like calling the 8th President of the United States just 'Buren' instead of 'van Buren'....... I'm just saying....

[@km6206]

give me a break.