The Age from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia • Page 144

The Age 30 May 1992 12 EXTRA ARTS MUSIC: ANTHONY CLARKE A musician in search of the definitive performance German conductor Michael Gielen believes honesty is the most radical method of interpreting the work of great composers. i I Si. A- I Jit II Independent souls: Emma Thompson and her husband Kenneth Branagh in the film 'Henry V. IMMA THOMPSON is FILMS: JUDITH WEINRAUB, Washington accessible, well-mannered, a knockout but somehow normal-looking. Surely one of the lew actresses on the 76 mm THE distinguished German conductor Michael Gielen uses English with a precision shown by some writers such as Nabokov, for whom English is not their native tongue but who use it with more finesse than the native-born.

Thus, when he speaks of conducting "radical" interpretations of the great composers, or of his love of "radical" opera productions, he is using the word not in the contemporary slipshod meaning of Just very different or "modern for the sake of but to seek out definitive interpretations. "Radical means truth," he says. "It can mean the quest for authentic tempi in conducting Beethoven, or in a new production of 'Parsifal' by a director such as Ruth Berghaus, who strips away the accretions of history and tradition and penetrates to the true essence of the piece." Michael Gielen is touring Australia for the ABC and appears at the Concert Hall with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra this afternoon, where he performs Mozart's 39th Symphony, Webern's Six pieces Op. 6 and Five pieces Op. 10, and Schubert's Ninth Symphony.

He returns on Thursday, Friday and Saturday to conduct the Berg Violin Concerto with soloist Ernst Kovacik, and Bruckner's Ninth Symphony. Mr Gielen first came here in 1966 to conduct the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and is with us again, he says, "because I wanted my wife to see Much has changed not least, the Sydney Symphony, with whom he has so far been rehearsing and performing. "For a start they are awake now in 1966, 1 fear they were mostly sleeping. Now, they are much more alert. They've been exposed to far more things.

And now there is a proper percussion section. It is a great change." Although Michael Gielen has long been a champion of modern music, his concerts here are weighted towards the more popular repertoire. "The ABC," he says, "must know their audiences, but it is a more conservative choice than I am used to in Europe. I did have far more adventurous programming when I was first here, and I don't think anyone liked it, apart from a few advanced intellectuals. "I think there is enough that Is radical in the programs to make them invigorating.

For some, my performances of Beethoven are far more shocking than the most modern work could be. I am not an 'original instruments' advocate; for me, the quest for authenticity is to forget what people such as Furtwangler did to Beethoven, as they slowed the tempo to unpardonable limits. To realise Beethoven's own intentions is to shock many people used only to the weight of historical interpretation. It is to be honest." Michael Gielen much admires the British conductor Roger Norrington for his approach to Beethoven. "It is easier Ms Maimers Michael Gielen: a champion of modern music.

For Emma Thompson, star of 'Howards End', the most important thing in life is good behavior. a charter member of another, more established wandering theatrical company (the Merchant-Ivory-Jhab-vala trio has been together for 39 years) and also a screenwriter who doesn't live in Hollywood. Ms Thompson says she couldn't possibly live there. At least not permanently. "It would be too foreign to me," she says.

There she sees things that trouble her bus stops populated exclusively by old people, blacks, Mexicans and the handicapped. And already thin actresses starving themselves in a way she says is not required of English actresses. She wrote about women and their food problems a lot in her BBC variety series, 'Thompson', and continues to fret over the issue. "It's auto-cannibalism," she says. "There are many women out there who aren't well.

It makes me so angry. It's as though women left the kitchen only to be starved into submission. How can you have the energy to work if you can't eat?" For Thompson, the goal is not movie stardom or the Hollywood deal, but the independent production company she and Branagh hope to have. The goal is also making people laugh, enjoying her life, treasuring her good And it doesn't hurt If good manners are part of the package. "I place a moral value on the way people behave," she says.

"I find it repellent to have a lot, and to behave with anything other than courtesy in the old sense of the word politeness of the heart, a gentleness of spirit" WASHINGTON POST 'Howards End' is screening at Hoyts cinemas. screen to graduate from Cambridge University. She is also a thoughtful feminist, good company, eager to please and thrilled to have been a part of 'Howards End', the third 1 E. M. Forster novel to be turned into a film by director James Ivory, producer Ismail Merchant and screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala.

In fact, she is noticeably similar to the character she plays, Margaret "Schlegel, the open-minded, open-hearted older sister whose spirit reaches far beyond the strictures of Edwardian England. She is of course "prettier than Forster's bohemian spinster in her late 20s, who marries the more conventional widower-financier Henry Wilcox (Anthony Hopkins), and just as spirited. "I love the fact that she's the cen-; tral moral force In the book and in the film," says the British actress. "I am fascinated by where she is In history. I Identify with her almost completely It was one of those rare times "when you think, 'I am absolutely right for that part'." i-V Ms Thompson, 33, is well known as a stage and TV actress, and also as the wife of Wunderkind actor-director Kenneth Branagh.

They are an awesome couple he energetic and taut, nominated for a directing Oscar the first time out; she looser, more comedic, more physical. But until now, except for 'The Tall Guy' (opposite Jeff Goldblum) and 'Dead Again', Ms Thompson has been known more for him, however, with his small ensemble, to lift the tempi to their original metronome markings. He plays some movements of the symphonies at speeds impossible for an orchestra of the size I prefer to work with one Just loses control." This quest for authenticity is not new. "The two schools of conducting have always coexisted. There was Furtwangler, but there was also Toscaninl.

Going further back, there was Wagner, but to counterbalance him, there was also Mendelssohn." Of today's younger conductors, he finds great promise in Simon Rattle. The conductor of our age? "Without a doubt, the great Carlos Kleiber. He is the genius of conductors." For Michael Gielen, there is no sharp distinction between classical, Romantic or the avant-garde. He was nurtured on the New Vienna School of Berg, Webern and Schoenberg, but believes that, while style changes, the tradition of music is an unbroken flow. "One era of music feeds another.

It is Important to be able to conduct Schoenberg well if one wants to conduct Beethoven well. All my musical thinking has been influenced by the Vienna School; by performances I have been privileged to attend, such as Berg's arrangement for eight hands of the Mahler Seventh. The standard of inter pretation set by Berg has influenced me very strongly. "These composers did not regard themselves as revolutionary in the sense of totally breaking with the past; they were developing from the past, but essentially remaining within- a great musical tradition. And for lan Interpreter, that feeling of working within a great, unbroken lineage is the same, whether conducting Beethoven or Berg, or presenting a work in its ifst performance." Maestro Gielen, who has conducted most of the great orchestras of the world in parallel with a long career in opera, including posts as lntendant and musical director of Frankfurt Opera and director of Netherlands Opera, is at present chief conductor of the 99-member South West German Radio Orchestra, based at Baden Baden.

He works there for three months a year, combining it with teaching at Salzburg and guest appearances elsewhere in Europe and the world. "Conditions at the orchestra are luxurious, compared to most places, because the subsidy lets us override purely commercial factors and gives pieces the preparation time we think they really need. Eight days' rehearsal, even 10, then we record, and only then do we perform that's how we achieve great to the film-going public through supporting parts in 'Henry (starring and directed by her husband) and 'Impromptu' not exactly mainstream films. As the central character in 'Howards End' (working with Hopkins and Vanessa Redgrave), all that is likely to change. "Ms Thompson comes into her own," said the 'New York Times'.

"Hers Is the film's guiding performance." (In his review this week, 'The Age' film critic Neil Jillett wrote: "I don't expect to see better screen acting this Ms Thompson's childhood was nothing like the etiquette-ridden upper-class world depicted in 'Howards End. Her parents, both theatrical folk who came from broken homes, met at the Bristol Old Vic drama school. They married one morning during a run of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', and went on to play the matinee. Emma Thompson grew up In London, later attending a women's college at Cambridge. She met Kenneth Branagh six years ago when they were cast as husband and wife in the BBC mini-series 'Fortunes of War', and married three years later (and three years ago) In between performances of 'Look Back in Anger'.

They are both active members of Branagh's actor-run Renaissance Theatre Company, which performs Shakespeare In London and the provinces, and did a world tour after Henry V. Branagh is originally Northern Irish and Thompson's family Is Scottish. Her British-European bias Is also on display In her next project: a screenplay for Jane Austen's 'Sense and Sensibility. When she accepted the opportunity, she sought advice from the Oscar-winning Ms Jhabvala, ITALY- CITIES COMPOSERS 1 ivrw an audio-visual experience at AMP (car Bourke William) with Dr Ian Guthridge TODAY, May 3t, U-5 pm. art showT partitioning In the company of Italy's great composers CAMPASPE GALLERY Calder Hwy, Carlsnihe 3442 (054) 223773 (between Kyneton Woodend) "$500 UNDER EXHIBITION" 24th May-8th June Exhibiting artists: (Landscape, seascape, flora and fauna RICHARD CHAMERSKI.

STEVEN DEUTSCHER, ROBERT FREEMAN, JEFF GAUCI. BEVERLEY GRAHAM, PAUL MARG0CSY, JOHN McQUALTER. VIDA PEARSON, JENNY PHILLIPS, GAYLE RUSSELL, RODGER SCOn, LINDSAY W0MERSLEY. Sculoutre: DIANNE BARTON, PEGGY THALL0N-SMITH, IAN THURR0WG00D. Jewellery: CAROL BOGLE MELBOURNE CHEAPEST AND BEST RESTAURANTS In EPICURE every Tuesday with 'The Age' a community photography project Photograph a unique aspect of the city and be part of Melbourne's o'' for hire THE LATEST IN Computer Games Green Guide EVERY THURSDAY WITH THEMLAGE (Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Puccini we make a visual journey thru Palermo, Rome, Milan, Venice playing excerpts of music against the visual background of the cities the composers came from Cost: $20, Be there by 1.15 room for 240.

592 6140 all hours I MELBOURNE FINE ART GALLERY 150th birthday celebrations. 120 printed framed photographs and a slide sound installation of 480 images will form a major exhibition to be staged at the MAYNARD WATERS EXHIBITION OF COLOURFUL SEMI NAIVE PAINTINGS OF RURAL OUTBACK AUSTRALIA GREYTHORN GALLERIES MAY 28 JUNE 7 2 TANNOCK STREET. NORTH BALWYN HOURS: 10-5 MON. SAT. 2-5 SUN.

857 9920 EXHIBITIONSALE NUNAWADING CIVIC CENTRE SATURDAY 30th-SUNDAY 31st MAY 1 0 am-4 pm tgsSSij3 I TOM GLEGHORN Melbourne Lower Town Hall October 5 30. Director of Entertainment ir IUEIE USEE 3P MOST RECENT WORKS NOW ON VIEW SALON DCS ARTS 17 Woodatoc St, Balaclava Pti: 626 8550 Mon-Fri. 10-5. Sat-Sun 1-5 WlttUlKUWMW Registrations close June 1 2 wish to participate in the 'Our Melbourne' a mmmiirihi nfnial I (Community and school groups may also register.) I EVERY MONDAY AT YOUR NEWSAGENT STEVE HARRIS 28 May 7 June Wildlife Exhibition Sculpture by Christopher Slubbs Palntls by: Renata Bruynzeel, Debbie Byers, Patricia Harman, Paul Margocsy, Renata Officer, Dawn Stubbs. Cnr.

Princes Hwy. (c Cardlnla Berwick. Ph. 707 4561. I I I Name I Address I Postcode I Cnr Flinders and Market Sty Melbourne Phone: 629 6853 Open: Tuesday to Friday IO-6 Saturday Sunday 1-5 I I Contact person not groups) I Phone 15-25 26-60 I Age under 15 I Qo5 I MARGARET COWLING Artist In Residence Melbourne Grammar School WATERCOLOURS Motor Works Gallery 39-41 Arnold Street, South Yarra Dally: 10 am 5 pm.

23rd May 5th June. 867 2547. THE BELL SHAKESPEARE CO. ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: JOHN BELL, AM 0BE To coincide with the opening of the new Globe Theatre In London on April 23, 1994, The Bell Shakespeare Co. will organise a tour to the UK, Germany and Japan In 1994.

Expressions of interest are now sought from Shakespeare enthusiasts who would be Interested in joining the tour. For further details phone Andrew Porter, Business Arts Connection on 8200683. over 60 theatrical and venue operation. Excellent communication, negotiation, supervisory and administrative skills. Preferably, a minimum of eight years experience in venue management techniques encompassing all aspects relating to entertainment and conventions.

A substantial remuneration package, including a fully maintained car, superannuation and other benefits will be negotiated. Relocation expenses win apply where appropriate. If you believe you satisfy these demanding criteria, we are most interested to hear from you. Please send your CV, under confidential cover, to: Michael Kldd Director of Human Resources Burswood Resort Casino PO Box 500 Victoria Park WA6I00 There are only 1 500 rolls of film to be distributed, so return this registration form immediately. Kodak are providing free 35mm slide film and processing so I please ensure your camera is suitable.

I Burswood Resort Casino, four times winner of the Sir David Brand Award for Tourism, is the premier Resort destination In Western Australia. The Casino is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The Resort complex includes: The Convention Centre, which houses the magnificent 1,450 seat Showroom. The Superdome, a SportsExhibition Concert arena with a capacity of up to 20,000 in concert mode, The Cabaret Lounge, within the Casino, with a capacity of 450. We are seeking a Director of Entertainment to take charge of our Entertainment Department which, as well as operating these facilities, provides full technical support to our substantial Convention and Banqueting business and has a permanent staff of more than 20.

Applicants for this challenging position will need to demonstrate: A high level of business management skills with emphasis on all facets of I Please post to I 'Our Melbourne' I ALAN WARREN 1 9 1 1 Cultural Development Branch tt.V.v City of Melbourne cm 174 Franklin Street, Melbourne, 3000 New Exhibition Photographic Portralta from tho Collodion of iho National Oollory of Victoria. A touring oihlbltlon protanlod by tho National Canary of Victoria and tho Wavorloy City Canary Lecture on the exhibition By Jim Logan Director Wsvtrlsy City Qsllsry and Isobsl Crombls, Curator ot Photography, N.O.V. Fres ol charge 7pm Monday 1st June PROJECT OFFICER Music For Youth seeks a Project Officer to coordinate its national series of youth music festivals. The position entails the development and administration of each festival, liaison with local contacts including educational institutions and authorities, preparation of grant submissions, and promotion of Music For Youth from local to national level. The applicant should ideally have tertiary qualifications In music or another relevant field, have experience in arts management and possess excellent communication and inter personal skills.

The position is based in Sydney For more information, please contact: Sharman Pretty, General Manager Youth Music Australia Phone 02 505 7400 Tollfree 008 222 319. Applications close: Friday, June 5. 1992. Muiic For Youth it jotnt project of the Bih Foundation and Youth Musk AuttMM THE ISSUES THAT MATTER In SATURDAY EXTRA every Saturday with BURSWOOD RESORT CASINO EXHIBITION CLOSES JUNE 17th EASTQATE GALLERY 158 BURWOOD BO HAWTHORN Ph: 818 1656 Mon-Frl 9am-5pm Sat 9am-12 noon Sun 2-5pm Waverley City Gallery Gallery Cale Bookshop "The Age 170 Jells Rd Wheelers Hill Vic 3150 ph 562 1569 Hrs Tuts Sun 10 5pm Closed Mondays A great tface faffl of great pe-opfe, 742a LITTLE a ASSOC. JL.