Antonio Pappano

Antonio Pappano, Music Director of the Royal Opera House in London, talks about his life and passion for music with Charlie Rose.

Two of the themes that stood out for me were: 'how one learns' and 'teaching.'



The first theme of 'how one learns' made me think of how when I first started to learn, one had to write things down. There was no Internet or photocopiers (or ones readily available).

By listening, seeing, writing and then reviewing (or doing), the material became yours. The concept of read it, write it, see it and doing methodology drilled in the details. Now days the Internet and copying material makes the process faster, but without the critical dissection, does one trying learn?

…one has to learn how to learn.

How to absorb the material.

How to look at a piece of music and see what is really there, what is the potential

How do you bring it to life?

There are different things that you take into consideration when you look at a piece of music.

The melody line is supported by so many other things.

The movement of the harmony which actually guides the way a piece of music goes.

It is guided by the harmonic structure and rhythm.

The three in tandem are Harmony, rhythm and melody.

It is so easy to look at a piece of music and see all the details, but not see the ABC’s of music which are harmony, rhythm and melody.

What is essential?

The second theme of 'teaching' really draws on the first. Without truly knowing the material or being able to review it again and again with a critical eye, does one ever go deeper in their understanding?

Having the open mind to revisit things you thought you knew and being able to question what you thought, does not provide a method to share or impart your knowledge with others as you only bring your perspective.

By challenging oneself, I believe the greater your understanding becomes and the fun and reward of seeing someone else gain their own frame of reference on the material and knowing that this has the opportunity to be passed onto another generation.

…you try to teach with Enthusiasm, Love, Skill, and Knowledge try to impart something that can really make the experience of listening and watching so much easier and so much more enjoyable.