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- What is the role of a conductor?
Christian Merlin, music critic & musicologist
Who, then, is this mysterious figure who waves his arms with almost theatrical precision in front of a hundred musicians, and whose every gesture seems to bring forth the sound itself? Is he merely a guide serving the orchestra, or does the orchestra bend completely to his will? Who is really calling the shots? Can we imagine an orchestra doing without him, or is his presence indispensable to musical unity and expression?
According to Wilhelm Furtwängler, the answer seems clear: “There are no bad orchestras, only bad conductors.” This statement underscores the decisive influence of this figure—at once discreet and central—who serves as a true mediator between the score, the musicians, and the audience. To our great delight, Christian Merlin will answer all our questions!
Biography of Christian Merlin
Music critic, musicologist, journalist, and radio producer
Christian Merlin, a certified German teacher and holder of a doctorate in Germanic studies, was an associate professor at the University of Lille, where he taught German literature and music history, before devoting himself exclusively to radio and writing.
A producer and commentator for France Musique and a music critic for *Le Figaro*, he also gives an annual series of music lectures at the Théâtre des Mathurins and is the author of several books: *Pierre Boulez* (Fayard), *Wagner: A Guide* (Premières loges), The Vienna Philharmonic (Buchet-Chastel), Great Conductors of the 20th Century (Buchet-Chastel), and above all *Au Coeur de l’orchestre* (Fayard), which is also the title of his Sunday program on France Musique.
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