Alex Ross on Music, Culture, and Criticism | Conversations with Tyler

Conductor Influence

The influence of conductors on orchestras is both profound and mysterious. Alex Ross describes how legendary figures like Herbert Blomstedt command respect and elevate performances simply by their presence, creating a psychological dimension that inspires musicians to play better 1. This mystical power is contrasted with the homogenization of orchestral sound, where modern conductors often prioritize technical precision over regional distinctiveness 2. Ross notes, "It's almost as if they don't even need to do anything anymore. But they do, of course, they are working very hard."

Suddenly the playing is electrified, transformed, and the conductor seems to have done nothing different.

--- Alex Ross

He suggests that while technical standards have improved, the unique character of orchestras has diminished, calling for a return to more expressive and spontaneous performances.

   

Musical Comparisons

Comparisons in music often reveal personal preferences and broader cultural influences. Alex Ross shares his lack of "guilty pleasures," embracing all music without embarrassment, yet admits a fondness for certain Oasis songs 3. He contrasts his preference for Bob Dylan over The Beatles, citing "Blood on the Tracks" as the greatest pop album ever made 4. Ross's appreciation for diverse musical styles is influenced by his academic background, particularly his Harvard dissertation on James Joyce, which prepared him for unexpected juxtapositions in music 3.

Ulysses gave me a taste for a kind of sprawling, comprehensive, all-devouring kind of modernism.

--- Alex Ross

This eclectic approach is evident in his admiration for post-war American composers like Morton Feldman, whose radical quietude offers a powerful aesthetic in today's chaotic world 5.