"Conducting is really staggering from one humiliation to the next," Sir Colin Davis once said. In a profession traditionally riddled with autocrats, he will be remembered for the humility and humanity that pervaded his work.
The London Symphony Orchestra report that the greatest Mozart conductor of his generation passed away earlier this evening after illness.
You can leave a message of condolence on the LSO website.
RIP. Colin Davis and Berlioz blew my mind at the NY Philharmonic in 1968 the first time I heard the magnificent, brooding, dramatic Overture to LES FRANCS-JUGES. And in the same era, he specialized at the Metropolitan Opera in what were then considered “difficult” works like PELLEAS, WOZZECK and his unforgettable collaboration with the magnificent Jon Vickers in PETER GRIMES.
Posted by: Oroveso | 15 April 2013 at 12:54 AM
.... as they say we all have an eternal life ... so I just like to share with my friends here on the blog this extract from a TV show dedicated Kiri ... please go to 6:30 ( just put your player tag on 6 min 30 sec and hit "play")- Colin Davis is talking about his happy and funny moments in Covent Garden .... who else can say the words like those with such dignity,decency and fine humour ...
Posted by: Alexander | 15 April 2013 at 02:13 AM
of course the footage reference :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Tklrn9H4TA
Posted by: Alexander | 15 April 2013 at 02:16 AM
What a perfect tribute.
Posted by: Cat | 15 April 2013 at 08:47 AM
Lovely, thanks so much Alexander
Posted by: Hariclea | 15 April 2013 at 05:54 PM
thank you for watching ....
Posted by: Alexander | 15 April 2013 at 11:49 PM
A great man. I was so wanting to hear his Schubert 8 and 9 at the Barbican but it was not to be...
VERY happy memories in recent years of his Hansel und Gretel at the ROH, Der Freischutz at the Barbican last year, Beatrice et Benedict at the RAM...
Posted by: DESR | 16 April 2013 at 06:39 PM