Christopher Millard E5 S2 Transcript

Full transcript with podcast and video links for interview with renowned bassoonist Christopher Millard. We covered many fascinating topics, including: Advice for music students, the art of reed-making, the physics of sound production on bassoon and violin, the advantages of studying jazz, musicians' difficulty with retiring,Marcel Moyse, the legendary Flute teacher and mentor, World Orchestra for Peace with Gergiev, the neuroscience of practicing music better, and conductors.

Christopher Millard: “So, when does the sum exceed the parts and all that? And it's very hard to know, even from physical presence. You actually need to be having the site line. You need to see the eyes. You need to feel the flow of energy back and forth on stage to really know what's working or doesn't, which is why I'm always amused when I see critics writing about concerts. Or people writing about this conductor is great, and this conductor is mediocre, or this concert ... Bless their hearts. I wouldn't be able to rate any better than they are. And I'm experienced doing it. It's really an elusive craft. And if I have a different perspective on conductors, I have a sympathy for them generally, because I think it's very difficult to do.”