French composer and conductor Pierre Boulez, a giant figure in postwar classical music and a major presence in Southern California, has died at the age of 90 at his home in Germany.
The New York Times’ obituary is here.
I had the privilege to hear Boulez conduct many times, and spoke to him at least twice, including in a wonderful interview in 2003. Given his reputation as an iconoclast, I was quite nervous when I phoned him in Paris, but he couldn’t have been more friendly or generous with his time.
To read the interview click here.
classical life 
Reblogged this on All is Yar and commented:
I’m currently running around CES in Las Vegas and can’t cover this with the detail I’d prefer, but nonetheless had to acknowledge the passing of this truly great musician. Therefore, I refer you to Tim Mangan’s post on his own website . . .
Hopefully after this blow the world can summon the strength to stagger on …
Reblogged this on Tim Higgins and commented:
R.I.P. Pierre Boulez (1925-2016), and thank you for the music xx