It's the right decision, although it is unfortunate to see it happen this way.
James Levine, dogged by a relentless series of health problems, said on Wednesday that he would resign as music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, concluding that he could no longer handle the job along with his duties in the same post at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
Here's hoping he can take the time to get his health back, and be in fit shape for the Met. Levine is an absolute genius in the opera pit, which is a very specialized craft.
Imagine keeping 80 musicians, 40 chorus members, 5-10 lead singing artists, and assorted horses, props, costumers, etc., all on the same wavelength, standing in a big hole in the floor, looking up at a deep deep stage, with musicians 50 feet on each side of you. Do it live, in Italian, French, or German, in front of the world. You're spending many thousands of dollars a minute every rehearsal or performance. And do it beautifully time after time. Stand for three hours and keep your arms held aloft while you do it. Hundreds of times year, for over forty years.
That's the job, and it is hard on the body and brain. And someone, somewhere in the process, is always unhappy with you about something. And, by the way, you have to direct planning for the season five years out.
OS has two wonderful friends who are devotees of the opera, and they always say, 'The musicians always play better for Jimmy.' And it's true--on those broadcasts when Levine is in the pit, the whole event just stands up and walks--everyone finds their 'A' game, and he brings it out in them.
Here's a salute in his direction, and best wishes for his healthy future.
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