norman lebrecht
October 17, 2025
The former chief of the Orchestre de Paris has not been back since 1989.
Last night, he conducted two Beethoven symphonies, 6 and 7, slow as his role models Klemperer and Furtwängler.
Barenboim was music director of the Paris orchestra from 1975 to 1989. He left after differences of opinion with the incoming director of the new Bastille Opera, and with the political establishment.
Last night, they seemed pleased to have him back.