Intermezzo

Why Dorny had to go

Why was Serge Dorny really given the push? The Semperoper and the Saxon Arts Minister hosted a press conference earlier today to expand on the initial statement. A local observer noted a few details.  

The minister said Dorny had wanted to change the logo, marketing, the core programming of the Staatskapelle, and more.  He had spoken badly of Semperoper staff. And he had given an ultimatum and threatened to resign some time before he was dismissed.

Christian Thielemann pointed out that his relationship with Dorny was initially good - "we also talked about wines."  So he was "speechless" to learn that Dorny didn't want the Ring cycle Thielemann proposed. (This will now go ahead some time between 2015 and 2017). Lyon, said Thielemann,  is a different world, where Dorny is the "President" and has all the power. 

There were apparently more interviews after the press conference, so expect further details to emerge.

Thielemann meetings were "cordial" says Dorny

As one German newspaper speculates that Serge Dorny could claim €1.5m for his Semperoper sacking, Dorny himself has given an interview to the Sächsische Zeitung.

He dismisses talk of a personality clash. "I had several meetings with [Thielemann]," says Dorny. "They were very cordial. But our discussions didn't lead anywhere."

When you read the example Dorny puts forward, you probably won't be surprised at the deadlock.  "I suggested that any conductor who was interested should be allowed to conduct symphony concerts as well as operas in order to raise the overall quality of the opera. Thielemann made it clear that appointing conductors for symphony concerts fell outside my authority."  

But why would anyone else think otherwise? What an independent orchestra does outside the opera house is surely its own business.  Dorny's authority to pick conductors for operas does not seem to have been disputed by Thielemann. But concerts are not operas, and the Staatskapelle Dresden are not simply an opera house orchestra who happen to do the odd concert in their spare time. Their extensive touring schedule and their size (enough to staff an opera and a concert simultaneously) demonstrate that. The Vienna and Berlin state operas offer the closest parallel. And since when has Dominique Meyer told the Vienna Philharmonic what to do in the Musikverein?

Intermezzo has also learned that Dorny was keen to make his mark on orchestral repertoire as well, by introducing themed concerts related to the opera programme. Is it really surprising he was rebuffed? He sought powers above and beyond those of his predecessors at the Semperoper and his opposite numbers elsewhere.

Whether greater integration of the orchestra into the opera house would have benefited either or both parties is debatable. What is surprising is that Dorny seems to have expected Thielemann and his orchestra to accede without question.

Dorny blames Thielemann for Dresden debacle

Back in his nest at the Opéra de Lyon, Serge Dorny has strongly contested the official line on his premature dismissal from the Semperoper Dresden earlier today. He points the finger of blame directly at Christian Thielemann, Chief Conductor of the Staatskapelle Dresden. It is perhaps telling that I can't find a photo of the two of them together.

In a statement partially reproduced in Le Figaro, Dorny attributes the "distressing situation" to "a lack of transparency and accuracy in the information provided" prior to his appointment. "If I'd had a clear understanding of the nature and scope of the powers of everyone involved, I would have turned down the job," he said.

He went on to explain that "despite repeated requests from the summer of 2013 on," he only "discovered post-appointment, while preparing future seasons, that some powers essential to the proper execution of the position of Intendant ... had been delegated to the Chief Conductor," and therefore both had "identical powers in certain areas, which could lead to paralysis of action."

He had asked his employer, the Saxon State Arts Minister, "to resolve the situation," since November, but remained without "any concrete response."

"Christian Thielemann did not want to work together, but only to preserve the independence of the Staatskapelle at the expense of the overall activities of the Semperoper," Dorny complains. (It should be pointed out that Thielemann, as his job title suggests, works for the orchestra rather than the opera house.)

"The plans I developed ... I couldn't carry out against Christian Thielemann's wishes, or even without him at all, and even less without the understanding and support of those who hold the pursestrings," said Dorny. (Other sources suggest that the main bone of contention was a Ring cycle.)

"The biggest loser is the institution itself, " Dorny concluded.

*UPDATE* - below is Dorny's letter in full. The Die Zeit article he cites to demonstrate the "arrogance" of the Staatskapelle is here:

Salzburg Festival Part 1 - Thielemann's Wiener

Vienna Philharmonic / Christian Thielemann - Großes Festspielhaus,  11 August 2013

Finally I have time to write about my week in Salzburg before it slips from my memory entirely. Until Karajan is resurrected (something the Salzburgers appear to be working on), the holy trinity of Bruckner, Wiener Philharmoniker and Christian Thielemann is about as Fest-perfect as you can get.

The Sunday night concert was devoted entirely to Bruckner's 5th Symphony. Scoreless, Thielemann demonstrated the simultaneous grasp of detail and sonic architecture that has placed him in Karajan's shoes. The Wieners  - or at least a crack section of the 160-strong troupe - displayed an attentiveness and precision which was to elude them for the rest of my stay. Quiet sections were exquisitely calibrated, climaxes thundered, and time stood still for an hour and half. The ovations went on for another twenty minutes or so, with Thielemann called back for a final solo bow even after the orchestra had left the stage. Way to go on.

And the best part? With a pillar to one side allegedly obscuring the view, my seat cost just 10 euros.

Buy Thielemann's Ring for £4.49

Is this the most incredible Wagner deal ever?

Amazon UK are offering Thielemann's 2009 Bayreuth Ring cycle on MP3 for just £4.49. That's all four operas, in full, at more than 95% off the CD price.

The singing on this recording is variable, but the orchestra plays sublimely, and the recording quality is excellent for a live performance. For anyone who doesn't yet have a Ring recording, don't hesitate. 

I don't imagine this deal will hang around for ever, so don't take too long to make up your mind.

US readers please visit La Cieca for the Amazon US link to purchase. The Amazon UK link is below.

Happy birthday from Dresden

On 21 May, Dresden celebrated Wagner's 200th birthday with a special concert.  Christian Thielemann, the Staatskapelle, and special guest Jonas Kaufmann entertained a capacity audience in the Semperoper. Thousands more watched on a big screen outside. And now the rest of us can watch on a small screen, inside.