https://www.npr.org/2022/03/02/1083942931/michael-tilson-thomas-discusses-cancer-and-his-scaled-back-new-world-symphony-ro
It's currently under control after a tumor was removed successfully, but this form recurs frequently and aggressively. MTT is 77.
He is mostly handing over duties with the New World Symphony but hopes to continue conducting concerts until he is no longer able.
Very distressing news.
Horrible.
A damn shame. I hope his recovery is successful with no hiccups. He always seemed like a genuine person and, in addition to my enjoyment of his conducting, those Keeping Score documentaries are worth their weight in gold for the interpretative insights he is able to effortlessly divulge to the viewer.
I once shared an airport shuttle with a member of the second violin section of the SF symphony. We chatted a little and I recall she spoke warmly of him. I saw him in concert a few times in San Francisco. He seemed to take unalloyed joy in music making.
Quote from: Spotted Horses on March 02, 2022, 09:42:04 AM
I once shared an airport shuttle with a member of the second violin section of the SF symphony. We chatted a little and I recall she spoke warmly of him. I saw him in concert a few times in San Francisco. He seemed to take unalloyed joy in music making.
And let's hope that joy continues!
I've known a couple students who got opportunities to spend summers with the New World Symphony and they universally love MTT as a teacher and mentor and leader.
I saw him conduct the LSO in an all-Sibelius program. It struck me then that I had never associated him with that composer - or Shostakovich or Bartok, for that matter. It turns out he's more selective than I had thought at first. What he does is always well thought of and intelligently conceived, and always with an ear to communicate with his paying/listening public .
And yes, the 'Keeping Scores' items are an excellent series.
From MTT's website:
QuoteDear Friends,
My return to performing these last months has been very special. The 20 concerts with the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the San Francisco Symphony were heartwarming. Making music with these great artists and for so many friends in the audience felt like coming home, like coming back to life. I couldn't have been happier.
It takes strength to meet the demands of the music and to collaborate on the highest level with the remarkable musicians who so generously welcomed me. I now see that it is time for me to consider what level of work and responsibilities I can sustain in the future.
I have not publicly discussed my medical diagnosis. I have Glioblastoma Multiforme, a type of aggressive brain cancer. I had an operation to remove what was visible and had radiation and chemotherapy. Currently the cancer is in check. But the future is uncertain as Glioblastoma is a stealthy adversary. Its recurrence is, unfortunately, the rule rather than the exception.
I'm taking stock of my life and will be reducing my administrative responsibilities. I have decided that, after 34 years, I will be stepping down as the Artistic Director of the New World Symphony. This organization, which I co-founded with Lin and Ted Arison, has been and will continue to be a vital and ever-growing resource for musicians. I'm proud of what we have accomplished and very proud of our 1,200 alumni. I will soon assume the role of Artistic Director Laureate and will dedicate myself to working with the NWS Fellows and Alumni on adventurous projects that have long been close to my heart.
I look forward to my work the remainder of this season with orchestras in the United States and Europe and to the many musical collaborations planned for next season. I intend to stick around for a bit. Creating and collaborating to make great music is what it's all about for me. Every moment on stage with my colleagues is memorable. I want to thank all who have been supportive during this time, especially my husband Joshua Robison. He has always been by my side and is, as ever, my hero.
I will continue to compose, to write, and to mull over your thoughts and mine. I'm planning more time to wonder, wander, cook, and spend time with loved ones – two legged and four. Life is precious.
I send affection and gratitude.
Michael TT
Quote from: Mirror Image on March 02, 2022, 09:36:11 AM
I hope his recovery is successful with no hiccups.
+ 1.
A very fine conductor!
I especially like his DGG recording of Charles Ives's 'Three Places in New England' - I don't know a better performance. Also, his very fine recording of Copland's 'Symphonic Ode' and much else besides.
All Strength to MTT
Did not know the man was 77. He looks great for his age and considering his health. I'm a fan! One of the more talented conductors my country ever produced. Hoping he pulls through and has a smooth recovery.
Wishing him the best, glioblastoma multiforme is unfortunately a very aggressive cancer. Whenever he speaks about music you can just feel his warmth and love for the music.
This is what my mother lived with last year. I'm glad that in MTT's case they were able to operate and give him more time with all his faculties intact. I hope that such a high-profile case as this will help spread awareness of this horrific disease.
It's very sad news as I'm a big fan of his. His SF Symphony performance of Prokofiev's No. 3 was the best I've ever heard and blew me away plus I can't ever forget being in the audience of the September 12, 2001 Grammy winning performance of Mahler's Tragic symphony. I adore his LSO recordings as well. Wish you all health and prosperity, Maestro!
Quote from: relm1 on March 04, 2022, 04:16:36 PM
It's very sad news as I'm a big fan of his. His SF Symphony performance of Prokofiev's No. 3 was the best I've ever heard and blew me away plus I can't ever forget being in the audience of the September 12, 2001 Grammy winning performance of Mahler's Tragic symphony. I adore his LSO recordings as well. Wish you all health and prosperity, Maestro!
I must revisit this recording! I like his Mahler a lot.
(https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music123/v4/a9/35/2a/a9352a71-c442-d89a-0c5a-faaa3e6c7241/source/1200x1200bb.jpg)
Wow, this is bad news to hear as I'm a big fan. Love his Mahler and Ives cycles with all my heart. His Ives 4th recording with Chicago was a life changer back in 1990 or so. Never saw him live but once spoke with a conductor student of his in Aspen, CO and she loved the guy. I pray he has more time.
Quote from: Leo K. on March 15, 2022, 06:32:31 AM
Wow, this is bad news to hear as I'm a big fan. Love his Mahler and Ives cycles with all my heart. His Ives 4th recording with Chicago was a life changer back in 1990 or so. Never saw him live but once spoke with a conductor student of his in Aspen, CO and she loved the guy. I pray he has more time.
It
is terrible news, indeed. I've always loved his conducting and he seems to be genuinely affable person. I certainly agree that his Mahler and Copland. I think in his honor, I'll play Adams'
Harmonielehre, which is an absolutely smoker of a performance.
Quote from: Leo K. on March 15, 2022, 06:32:31 AM
Wow, this is bad news to hear as I'm a big fan. Love his Mahler and Ives cycles with all my heart. His Ives 4th recording with Chicago was a life changer back in 1990 or so. Never saw him live but once spoke with a conductor student of his in Aspen, CO and she loved the guy. I pray he has more time.
MTT is the one that made me finally understand Ives' fourth symphony, though I'm not much of an Ives fan.
Happy birthday, maestro!
I understand he's bowing out with the Mahler Fifth. Huge respect!
Oh, wow, where? He did a farewell concert in San Francisco with Beethoven 9, which my aunt attended; she and local critics said he had a small memory lapse but that the emotion of the occasion was very powerful.
I was just thinking of MTT because a tv broadcast concert he did exposed me to Mozart's concerto for flute and harp. I found it! It was James Galway and MTT:
Quote from: Brian on December 21, 2023, 06:38:55 PMOh, wow, where?
I thought, SF. I saw a slipped disc headline.
For those who may not have heard, MTT's cancer has returned, and yesterday he released the following message. He was supposed to conduct the "Eroica" next week in Philadelphia, but has bowed out of the concerts. And though he turned 80 in December, the San Francisco Symphony is celebrating the event in April. I hope he makes it.
* * * * *
Dear Friends,
Three years ago, I wrote to tell you that I'm battling Glioblastoma. The three and a half years since the initial diagnosis have been a special time in my life, filled with friends, family, and music. They have also been challenging, as I had to undergo a second operation and manage complications from the treatments that have held the tumor at bay.
My doctors have informed me that the tumor has returned. We continue to work with the superb group at the UCSF Brain Tumor Center. There are treatment options, but the odds are uncertain.
Joshua and I are in San Francisco with the pups, and we take occasional jaunts to Bolinas. Our home is filled with memories of a full life. There's a keyboard on each floor and occasionally a piece by CPE Bach, Mozart, Brahms, Schumann, a Broadway melody, or one of my own tunes seem to emerge. Sometimes I can share these moments. Other times I find my own personal peace and solace.
Now is the time to wind down my public appearances. During the past year, I had the opportunity to come full circle with musicians and orchestras I hold most dear. My work with the London Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic was very special. In March, I have concerts planned with the New World Symphony and, on April 26, the San Francisco Symphony is celebrating my 80th birthday. At that point, we all get to say the old show business expression, "It's a wrap."
A "coda" is a musical element at the end of a composition that brings the whole piece to a conclusion. A coda can vary greatly in length. My life's coda is generous and rich.
Life is precious.
— MTT
Thanks for sharing this message,
@brewski.
God bless this man. He's such a strong, determined person and I truly admire his resilience in the face of such an uncertain future.
I have been blessed to be moved by so many of his recordings through the years, but the only gift I can give him is being thankful for his musical presence in my own life and all of the happiness he's afforded me.
Since this is a MTT thread and, really as I see it, a place where we can honor his musical legacy, here are some of his recordings that have meant a lot to me through the years --- in no particular order:
(https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music123/v4/a9/83/00/a98300a1-1c0c-0819-4c76-59a8f1c17122/190295689131.jpg/600x600bb.jpg) (https://i.discogs.com/FIapYRlugwwBzOwYxtsmQagtKBTx2gU_ZFhaYDDz5M8/rs:fit/g:sm/q:90/h:592/w:600/czM6Ly9kaXNjb2dz/LWRhdGFiYXNlLWlt/YWdlcy9SLTIxNTA5/MTctMTI4OTM1ODgw/MC5qcGVn.jpeg) (https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music221/v4/01/39/a9/0139a97c-9849-5b2f-4d03-4c9288ca030f/196872251777.jpg/600x600bb.jpg) (https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music124/v4/df/c7/5b/dfc75b35-12c8-2f61-86a5-30a1ce0dec09/00028946361528.rgb.jpg/600x600bb.jpg) (https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music221/v4/4b/31/fb/4b31fb38-9c77-e4a7-e15f-7690f71357ea/196872707427.jpg/600x600bb.jpg) (https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music123/v4/25/69/f4/2569f490-5376-74a3-99b2-41b5e59efb00/190295689094.jpg/600x600bb.jpg) (https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music211/v4/a6/2b/9b/a62b9b9a-2b42-2a35-14fc-213955efd2fb/196872729566.jpg/600x600bb.jpg) (https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music111/v4/0a/e0/dc/0ae0dc19-5ad9-b783-f44a-f7c1de6cd1ae/090266889822.jpg/600x600bb.jpg) (https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music123/v4/b1/20/9d/b1209d4f-77b5-59a7-16c3-d96c234e38f8/190295688738.jpg/600x600bb.jpg) (https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music211/v4/b3/8f/36/b38f364f-bdf7-b350-8ea3-c6326825c230/196872723922.jpg/600x600bb.jpg) (https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Music30/v4/56/d0/e7/56d0e769-f149-bc57-05aa-c0cebd52c87a/dj.gqphgtzv.jpg/600x600bb.jpg) (https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Features/v4/ef/bc/81/efbc817f-5510-fb00-674f-58b3579b0d8d/dj.bmhofcro.jpg/600x600bb.jpg)
He's a very fine conductor. I really love his Swan Lake with the LSO. Great Prokofiev 5th too. Just always consistent and solid.
@Der lächelnde Schatten I only have one or two of his recordings (Off the top of my head, I know that I have the Strauss one with Popp). Love the artwork of the Stravinsky in America one! :)
K
Quote from: Kalevala on March 04, 2025, 06:10:21 AM@Der lächelnde Schatten I only have one or two of his recordings (Off the top of my head, I know that I have the Strauss one with Popp). Love the artwork of the Stravinsky in America one! :)
K
Yeah, that Stravinsky one has a great cover and the performances are also just top-notch. That Strauss disc is especially moving, especially as I believe it was the last thing Lucia Popp committed to record before passing away.
One of my favourites (also the Copland LP posted above):
I have made a MTT live playlist for those interested -
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zgNCoWt_7bCtx9cPkQiXl9bB0Ytozfa&si=R1uZ8z5n334zjED3
Quote from: lordlance on March 06, 2025, 07:13:20 AMI have made a MTT live playlist for those interested -
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zgNCoWt_7bCtx9cPkQiXl9bB0Ytozfa&si=R1uZ8z5n334zjED3
What a nice project, thank you! And shows off his range beautifully.
He is one of those blessed all-round musicians (usually American it seems!) who are genuinely at ease across an enormous range of musical styles from Broadway to Mahler and back again - Bernstein and Litton are two more who fit that bill (and all 3 are/were fine concert-standard pianists too)
Quote from: brewski on February 25, 2025, 02:44:09 AMFor those who may not have heard, MTT's cancer has returned, and yesterday he released the following message. He was supposed to conduct the "Eroica" next week in Philadelphia, but has bowed out of the concerts. And though he turned 80 in December, the San Francisco Symphony is celebrating the event in April. I hope he makes it.
* * * * *
Dear Friends,
Three years ago, I wrote to tell you that I'm battling Glioblastoma. The three and a half years since the initial diagnosis have been a special time in my life, filled with friends, family, and music. They have also been challenging, as I had to undergo a second operation and manage complications from the treatments that have held the tumor at bay.
My doctors have informed me that the tumor has returned. We continue to work with the superb group at the UCSF Brain Tumor Center. There are treatment options, but the odds are uncertain.
Joshua and I are in San Francisco with the pups, and we take occasional jaunts to Bolinas. Our home is filled with memories of a full life. There's a keyboard on each floor and occasionally a piece by CPE Bach, Mozart, Brahms, Schumann, a Broadway melody, or one of my own tunes seem to emerge. Sometimes I can share these moments. Other times I find my own personal peace and solace.
Now is the time to wind down my public appearances. During the past year, I had the opportunity to come full circle with musicians and orchestras I hold most dear. My work with the London Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic was very special. In March, I have concerts planned with the New World Symphony and, on April 26, the San Francisco Symphony is celebrating my 80th birthday. At that point, we all get to say the old show business expression, "It's a wrap."
A "coda" is a musical element at the end of a composition that brings the whole piece to a conclusion. A coda can vary greatly in length. My life's coda is generous and rich.
Life is precious.
— MTT
Acceptance with great grace and bravery. May we all be able to find such determined serenity.
I think it's worth mentioning his humor too. Was at a concert of Mahler I think...something with a very large orchestra and long movements. In between the movements, he raised his hands about to start then a cough rang out in the hall, then another cough...lots of throat clearing. He was waiting and waiting for the quite to start the movement but people kept clearing their throats. So he turned around and started conducting the audience...everyone laughed, and the coughers got the idea so finally the music started. But I'll never forget that or the comic touch without a single word being said. He's quite good with audiences, very effective communicator.
I found myself turning to MTT mostly for 20th century American composers: mainly Gershwin and Ives, but also Bernstein.
Recently uploaded Mahler 9:
Quote from: lordlance on March 19, 2025, 09:24:37 PMRecently uploaded Mahler 9:
Wow, and he looks so healthy too! :'(
Quote from: relm1 on March 20, 2025, 06:29:11 AMWow, and he looks so healthy too! :'(
It's from 2017 - 8 years ago. He was in much better shape. I believe I attended him do M9 with SFSO around that time (it's a different matter I kept dozing off -- chalk it up to familiarity/perhaps the interpretation really was boring)
Quote from: lordlance on March 20, 2025, 10:38:22 AMIt's from 2017 - 8 years ago. He was in much better shape. I believe I attended him do M9 with SFSO around that time (it's a different matter I kept dozing off -- chalk it up to familiarity/perhaps the interpretation really was boring)
Oh, I thought it was recent.
Quote from: Roasted Swan on March 06, 2025, 07:22:12 AMHe is one of those blessed all-round musicians (usually American it seems!) who are genuinely at ease across an enormous range of musical styles from Broadway to Mahler and back again - Bernstein and Litton are two more who fit that bill (and all 3 are/were fine concert-standard pianists too)
Previn too.