I just sat in a rehearsal with Helnuth Rilling rehearsing the Bach St. John’s Passion. He is celebrating his 80th birthday today. He conducts this piece from memory yet he studied it again in preparation for this performance. He comments that his most recent thoughts are marked in red in his score. Actually, he called it his current thought. His life worknhasbbeen studying Bach. He is an example of one who has never ceased to learn and to share what he learns. It is evident that sharing music his his mission. Anyway, listening to him today revealed a conductor-coach who has anylaized the game.  He was also so knowledgable about the skills needed to execute a performance that would deliver Bach’s intentions to the audience. He had developed a clear map. And I must add, he delivered it with such passion.  The result was a visually and emotionally engaged performer. I am sure the performance of the St. John’s Passion will not be a sterile rendering of the printed score but one that will  move, touch, impact, and engage the listener.

Performers, do you have a map? No, seek out teachers and mentors that can help you. And for me: score study