Quality is not negotiable: Semyon Bychkov – Principal conductor of the WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln 1997-2010
Contributions from staff and players as printed in Semyon Bychkov’s final WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln concert programme, June 2010
“What really impressed me about Semyon Bychkov, was his enthusiasm and his persuasiveness. The fantastic mix of charm and tenacity with which he engaged himself in projects, was difficult to resist. These characteristics were also evident in the completion of his artistic vision for which, not only the concert audience in the Cologne Philharmonie and our radio audience were grateful, but also everyone who heard us during tour WSO tours. I shall remember with fondness the reception given to our Orchestra during the concerts in Japan.”
Wolfgang Schmitz, WDR Radio Director
“In addition to many other traits, there are two characteristics of Semyon Bychkov that I admire: on the one hand, his unconditional demand for quality both from himself and from the Orchestra; on the other his endeavour to perform ever work with the highest possible level of intensity and energy. Challenging everyone involved, the result of these two characteristics speak for themselves – as numerous outstanding productions with the WDR Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Semyon Bychkov affirm.”
Dr. Christoph Stahl, Leader of the Orchestra and Choir Main Section
“When I became artistic director of the Cologne Philharmonie, I was particularly pleased to be able to work with Semyon Bychkov again, whom I had known from previous projects. The five years that have passed since then have been marked by brilliant performances, during which Bychkov covered a very broad spectrum of repertoire. I remember particularly the concert performances of Wagner’s Lohengrin and the much-praised recording. How Bychkov’s phenomenal piani and his exquisite lyrical sound lit up Wagner’s orchestral language and positively made the orchestra sing, firmly remains a fantastic experience for everyone.”
Louwrens Langevoort, Artistic Director of the Kölner Philharmonie
“I don’t know how many languages Semyon Bychkov speaks. Sometimes I have the feeling that he speaks them all! He swaps effortlessly from English to Italian, from Spanish to Russian, or from French into German. And, not just simply as a tool for communication, but a cultural method of expression. I believe that this is also the key to his musical expression.”
Siegwald Bütow, Manager WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln
“Productions with Semyon Bychkov and the WDR Symphony Orchestra have always meant a particularly intensive debate even before the recording began. Bychkov has profound musicological and historical background knowledge that I have enjoyed during countless discussions. After the first run-through of the work, his standard question was “How did you find it?” or, as he would habitually comment in an economic fashion, “…and?” Intensive conversations and many rehearsals with the orchestra followed. Bychkov’s announcements to the orchestra were always unmistakeably clear. He did not veer off from his vision of the sound, but the other parameters such as tempo, phrasing and articulation I could discuss with him. All efforts only ever had one goal: the perfect recording.”
Holger Urbach, Sound Engineer
“Semyon Bychkov was a regular guest with his concerts in possibly the largest concert hall that classical music can find: in the culture radio programme, which occasionally even – through ARD and EBU – broadcast to an audience of a million. WDR 3 is the programme home of the WDR Symphony Orchestra, which Semyon Bychkov led with great passion over many years. It is this passion that gave the both the concert halls as well the programmes of WDR 3 its spark. It is a lasting treasure in our musical consciousness.”
Prof Karl Karst, Programme Director WDR 3
“The Italian bass Ferrucio Furlanetto brought Semyon Bychkov with him to my brasserie one evening after a joint concert in the Cologne Philharmonie. Right from the start we sensed a great empathy for each other, and for the last nine years he has been eating at my restaurant. His favourite is fish accompanied by a good red wine from Tuscany – he hasn’t tried a white wine with it yet. When Semyon is in town, he usually calls to ask whether he can eat after the concert and then I keep the kitchen open for him and ensure that I have good fish available. Incidentally, he is not adverse to Italian dolci.”
Mario di Biase, Owner of Semyon Bychkov’s local in Cologne
“I often pick Semyon Bychkov up from the airport and he usually arrives with a lot of luggage. On the way to the city he is usually totally absorbed in the scores that he will be working on with the WDR Symphony Orchestra. Sometimes I even have the feeling that he’s conducting in the car. After rehearsals, when I drive him to the hotel, I immediately know how it went. He doesn’t need to tell me anything, it is clear whether it went well or not. Before the concert, Semyon Bychkov is a little nervous – whereas afterwards he is much more relaxed. When Semyon Bychkov comes to Cologne with his wife, Marielle Labèque, there is an implied agreement between Semyon Bychkov and myself: as soon as I stop, I open the door for her, the Maestro will then get out by himself.”
Helmut Ripka, Semyon Bychkov’s Driver
“I’m a fan of his and I find that in the 13 years that he has been with us he has continued to develop. I can still remember the early days. Now everything that he does has a rhyme and reason. He knows exactly what he wants with everything and makes sure that it happens. A lot is different from what we are used to, but it is always authentic and totally convincing. Richard Strauss’ Heldenleben for example: it now sounds different, much better than in the year 2002, when we played it so often or when we played it with other conductors. Or Mahlers’ 5th, which we often performed with Bertini, with Semyon it is entirely different. But everything is very convincing and I am sorry that he’s going.”
Jürgen Schild, Solo Trumpet
“Dear Mr Bychkov, we will miss you very, very much. That is why we already now a little sad, because the date that we cannot change is edging closer. But we all hope to see you again very soon.”
Joachim Trieb, 2nd Concert Master
“In the concerts everyone can experience that Semyon Bychkov is in search of the strongest intensity and the most compelling expression, and there has not been a single rehearsal in all the years, in which he has not conducted and worked with total commitment. His emotional commitment to the music is unconditional. He also expects a similar engagement from the musicians, and never eases up until he has set fire to the orchestra. In a rehearsal for our first American tour he said, “You will never impress anyone with volume: everyone can play loudly. The intensity of expression and abandonment – also physical – to the music, that is what should distinguish you.”
Pierre-Alain Chamot, Violin
“Due to their implicit emotion, operas lie especially close to his heart; as a result we have profited enormously from many magnificent opera productions with top-class casts. But this delight in the dramatic is also reflected in his approach to symphonic works. In my opinion, the years with Semyon Bychkov are the most important in the history of the WSO. It is unusual that a connection between conductor and orchestra can function this long and this successfully, and that from the first day to the last collaboration remains a fruitful one.”
Gudula Finkentey-Chamot