What do think of Charles Dutoit?

Charles Dutoit was the very first conductor I had to 'look after' in my first job with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra back in 1980. I took him and Stephen Bishop (as he then was - now Stephen Kovacevich) to perform a concert in the city of Bristol, England. This was at the beginning of his famous days as principal conductor of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, with which he made so many wonderful recordings.

He seemed like a nice enough man, although I have heard he can be very difficult and demanding at times. he is a very fine conductor, however, and I think you are lucky to have performed with him.

I've never had the opportunity to play for him, but I've heard many recordings. His recording of The Rite with Montreal is still one of my favorites -- absolutely fantastic interpretation. I will always seek out his recordings if given the opportunity.

But he does have a reputation for being, well, a bit of a jerk. There was a pretty well publicized "event" that precipitated his break with Montreal several years ago. The orchestra members made references to his treating them like "battered spouses."

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/18/arts/music/18ORC...

Seems to me that the man knows exactly what he wants to come out of the orchestra, and will do whatever it takes to get it. Even if that means stepping on toes and offending some people. Right or wrong, this seems to be his reputation.

I have been pleased with the handful of recorded performances I have heard which were with the Montreal orchestra, clarity and balance are always good, musical intention of composer very well realized, but found all of these (maybe five CD's?) done with too quick a tempo, sometimes much too quick.

p.b.

No doubt he is one of the most significant and famous conductors, I really like many his recordings.

I have the recordings of the following concertos conducted by him, which are my best favourite recordings :

Paganini : The Violin Concetos (with Salvatore Accardo)

Chopin : Piano Concerto No. 1 (with Martha Argerich)

Mendelssohn : The Piano Concertos (with Andras Schiff).

Most of the recordings he made with the Montreal symphony orchestra are my favorite recordings. I think he was great.