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22.08.08

The Thoughts of Alex and Brad

Student Alex James and his mentor Brad Cohen talked to John Elmes of The Independent. Here is a digest of their remarks

Alex: "The first thing you have to learn as a conductor is how to stand up straight. If you stood on a rock stage like that, people would throw pints of urine at you. Classical music is quite irksome, it emanates a sort of pomposity, but it's one of the best things I have ever done, I'm loving it.

"You don't need to have been to a conservatoire to write pop songs, and it's more expensive to train conductors than it is to train astronauts or fighter pilots, but there's something about classical music. Yes, the classical-music fraternity are worse than Christians or Alcoholics Anonymous for wanting you to join, there's a kind of desperation about it sometimes, but when you're ready for it, it blows your mind.

"There's a misconception that classical music is for old people, so it does need rebranding. I would definitely recommend that kids listen to Rossini. You know, rock'n'roll is 50 years old now, and I wonder if it hasn't said everything it has got to say. Classical music really makes you appreciate what you're doing when you're playing a big, loud, out-of-tune, distorted bass."

Brad: "Conducting is not about pomp or mastery. It's about communication and creating an atmosphere in which everyone feels they're pointing in the same direction, and working towards a similar goal.

"There have been times when Alex has found it hard - starting something completely new, and having to stand up in front of a group of people and feel like a prat - but we're very patient with each other. We're mates.

"I've listened to some Blur since I started working with Alex, and we have a lot of fun together. Both being musicians helps - there's a lot of common ground and our sensibilities are similar.

"Alex knows there's a lot about conducting that is nothing to do with music, but the musical side is obviously a lot easier because he can read music, while other competitors on Maestro can only do so in a very limited way. It's a great advantage, with so much musical material to master, that he can learn scores a lot quicker. He's doing a great job, I have a lot of faith in him."