Conductor Valery Gergiev signs letter in support of Russian takeover of Crimea

[hrandall]

Valery Gergiev, whose recent Mahler cycle was received with mixed reviews, is one of the Russian artists who just signed a letter in support of the Russian takeover of Crimea.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/culture/la-et-cm-putin-ukraine-crimea-valery-gergiev-20140312,0,7933773.story#axzz2vqe09QZy

Herb Randall

[barry guerrero]

Yes, unfortunately, the success of his career and funding for the Mariinsky is now directly tied to Putin. He may sincerely believe in the annexation of the Crimea - which, quite frankly. Krushev handed to Kiev after having way too much vodka - but it's unfortunate for him that he has to be so high-profile about it. From what I've read, I think the LSO is pretty much ready to part ways with Gergiev.

[waderice]

It's a shame when musicians take a stand when it comes to political issues, particularly when it is against democratic ideals as Gergiev has seemingly done.  So many musicians suffered setbacks to their careers when they did things like this, such as Mengelberg's and Furtwaengler's supposed collaboration with the Nazis during WWII.  And some were able to stick it out by successfully divorcing themselves from all political matters and remain in Germany during that time, such as Karl Boehm and Richard Strauss, who were cleared of collaboration fairly quickly after WWII.  Karajan's case is one that will always be controversial.  Thankfully, many were able to make it out of Germany before war actually started.

Though I hate to say it, I believe that Gergiev has pretty much shot himself in the foot as far as future musical pursuits in the west are concerned.  I was a bit surprised to see him conduct the musical portions of the opening and closing ceremonies of the winter olympics.

The one other significant Russian conductor of Mahler who seemingly has kept a low profile through all this is Yuri Temirkanov, thankfully.

Wade

[merlin]

I think it is great that performing artists, who have a huge pulpit, voice their opinions about pressing world issues.  One cannot separate politics from life, or art, for that matter (e.g. Picasso's Guernica), and artists' ability to influence the masses, hopefully in a positive way, can assist with needed changes.

Furtwangler decided to remain in Nazi Germany so the populace would have access to wonderful music such as Beethoven, yet he, unlike Karajan, never joined the party, and consistently refused to go along with the Nazi agenda.  He was often critical of the regime, refused to shake Hitler's hand on at least one witnessed occasion, and was earmarked for death by the Gestapo near the end of the war, but he managed to escape to Switzerland.

[wagnerlover]

I'm not sure how I feel about artists becoming so involved in politics, But I'm willing to cut Gertiev some slack since he needs official patronage to keep his theatre and orchestra afloat.

And he's a good musician and a hard worker. 

db

[barry guerrero]

I'm sorry to revisit this topic, but this Ukraine business is - quite obviously - becoming quite serious. It's clear that Putin not only wants security for bases in the Crimea, but that he wants to make Russia something of an imperial power again. My greatest fear is if Serbia decides to act up again and maybe take Kosovo, or even try to remove Muslims from Bosnia. This time Russia would have Serbia's back - there won't be any bombing of Beograd (Belgrade) to bring a conflict to end. Such a Balkan disaster could spark things all over again.

[Electra]

Hallo Barry,

not sure if that fear (about Serbia) is realistic AT THE MOMENT, but the Eastern Ukraine is a very different and much more frightening prospect ...

As for the topic here: I don't think we have the right to tell great artists that they are not allowed to have a political opinion. Ideally, they should keep that to themselves, though, because otherwise they are trying to use their reputation to influence others, which is not my idea of a democratic process that should be based on who has the better argument, not who happens to be more popular. And to lobby for a peaceful (!) unification of Crimea with Russia in my opinion is not something that calls for the uproar it has received in the West.

What makes the Gergiev story a little more creepy is the fact that late last year he also came out in support of Putin's anti-gay legislation. Now that is something to be more concerned about, and it might just lead to the cancellation of his appointment to lead the Munich Philharmonic. Here's a link to that story (in German):

http://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/inhalt.ungemach-fuer-philharmoniker-ist-valery-gergiev-als-chefdirigent-zu-halten.74fcbd2b-6852-43fe-bbb3-066e37293fb1.html

[barry guerrero]

Thanks. It's really rather depressing that Gergiev would ally himself with antil-gay sentiments in Russia.

[pianobaba]

I agree with others that it is up to the individual musician or artist whether they choose to voice political opinions (or opinions on other non-musical things), just like any other individual. To expect musicians/artists to stay quiet would be unfair and could even amount to claims of censorship (if pressure is put upon the musician/artist). Classical musicians are in a funny position, because it is so international, and many people think it is (or should be) completely divorced from politics.

Whether you agree with any specific musician's/artist's opinion is a completely different matter 

I am not surprised at Gergiev's stance on the crimea, and it could legitimately be his own. His support of the homophobic legislation is more disturbing and sad. I wonder how much immediate impact it might have on his international career, since classical concerts are usually scheduled so far in advance.

[barry guerrero]

I don't know; I feel Bernstein often times made a fool of himself with his overly simplistic banter on all things political. While everyone is entitled to sound off, I feel like the Gergiev situation is something a bit more sinister, as he and the Mariinsky are receiving so much support from Putin. They're really are bed fellows.

[pianobaba]

I do agree with Gergiev it seems more sinister, or at least more self-serving. Hardly any resemblance to, for example, when Shostakovich had to toe the official line. Gergiev seems to either sincerely agree with Putin, or at least is apathetic and has no qualms about stating his support to his supporter.

[akiralx]

I'm sorry to revisit this topic, but this Ukraine business is - quite obviously - becoming quite serious. It's clear that Putin not only wants security for bases in the Crimea, but that he wants to make Russia something of an imperial power again. My greatest fear is if Serbia decides to act up again and maybe take Kosovo, or even try to remove Muslims from Bosnia. This time Russia would have Serbia's back - there won't be any bombing of Beograd (Belgrade) to bring a conflict to end. Such a Balkan disaster could spark things all over again.

Not just that - apparently Putin has his eye on Finland.  And who would stop him?  They are not in NATO.