This past week Wolfgang Sawallisch, former music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, passed away. This is not my story to tell. I never met him or had the privilege of playing under his baton. That being said, I have felt his influence second-hand in talking and playing with those who were close to him. The stories and anecdotes are moving and inspiring, and I thought that many of my readers would enjoy learning more about the Maestro’s approach and influence through the words of my husband, who was profoundly influenced by Sawallisch. He wrote some of his thoughts on his blog Dave’s Mouthpiece.
Also, after reading Dave’s blog post, take a look at the first several minutes of Sawallisch conducting Sinfonia Domestica. It is a glimpse of music-making at its finest.
You may also see more personal tributes to Sawallisch here, and the original Philadelphia Inquirer article here.
Dave’s tribute and the other sources here articulate so perfectly the impression that Wolfgang Sawallisch made on the world. His ideals most certainly will live on in those whose lives and sensibilities he shaped.
