Pierre boulez conductor meaning

For nearly the past sixty years Pierre Boulez has been in the forefront of modern musical life.  Initially a leader in Europe’s post-war compositional revolution, Boulez first made an impact on mainstream classical music through his conducting.  In fact, his term as co-director of the New York Philharmonic marks the one time a member of the avant-garde has led a major orchestra.  He remains active and influential as a composer, conductor, administrator, and writer.

 

Early Life and Student Years

Born March 2, 1925, in Montbrison, France, Boulez sang in his school choir and played the piano.  In addition, he exhibited a strong aptitude for mathematics.  After a year in Lyons in 1941 studying mathematics, Boulez moved to Paris and entered the Conservatoire.  He studied harmony with the composer Olivier Messiaen and showed particular acuity in music analysis, taking a first prize in that subject in 1945.

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