SFCV Interviews Robert Levin

In anticipation of next week’s concerts, San Francisco Classical Voice published an interview Robert Levin today. He speaks about the U.S. Premiere of Concerto Movement in G major from Nannerl’s Music Book, NMA No. 51, which was only recently attributed to Mozart, and also about the importance of improvisation in classical music. Here’s our favorite bit:

“SFCV: Why don’t they teach classical improvisation in music conservatories today?

“Levin: It certainly should be taught, and always was in the past. There are two things that have happened in the world of music that have been unfortunate. The first is a separation between art music and vernacular music; the second is a separation between those who compose music and those who perform it. We train reproducers now, not thinkers. It’s not healthy, and it’s one of the reasons classical music is in danger now. There is no sense of risk or suspense; everything has been so painstakingly worked out.”

Read the whole interview here.