Classical Music, Stay Alive!

April 10th 1968

I recently turned sixty; another decade of my life has begun. I realize how I have been changed from a young piano prodigy to a Nazi Member, to a worldly renowned conductor.
I am not the only one that has changed. Companion of my life, music also changed, and is still changing in many different ways. Nowadays, the world of music is dominated by not Classical music, but a variety of popular musics such as jazz and rock-and-roll.

Nevertheless, Classical music itself has been changing and developing. Atonality was introduced by Schonberg. Atonality continuously developed to serialism. Serial musics are atonal and emphasize mathematical precision rather than expression of different emotions. Serialism was followed by minimalism which is more tonal.

Concert halls and reciatals are no longer only places where Classical musics are being publicized. Classical musics are being used as background musics for documentaries and movies. Koyaanisqatsi by Philp Glass is one of examples. Thus, it gives Classical music a quality of popular music. I have very positive perspective toward this trend, because I believe it is very important to keep the Classical music, despite emergence of new kinds of musics that attract people.

One of things I do with enthusiasm to popularize Classical music is involvement with Salzburg Festival.
I have been working as its artistic director since 1960. So far, stage and auditorium have been enlarged allowing more visitors. It became more international as well. Globally known musicians are invited to the festival.

I will continue to work hard for Classical music so it can stay alive on people's minds.