Pierre Boulez in 1995: “Don’t expect me to swear allegiance, except to music”

Interview In this interview, published in 1995 on the occasion of his 70th birthday, composer and conductor Pierre Boulez (who died in 2016) discusses the poets who inspired his music. He also reflects on his relationship with political power and the creation of the Cité de la Musique, an institution that had just opened and which he left us as a legacy.

The Paris Orchestra conducted by Pierre Boulez, in December 2011. REVELLI-BEAUMONT/SIPA

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Le Nouvel Observateur: A few years ago, you lamented the fact that there weren't enough musicians and instrumentalists capable of playing contemporary music, and that too often, as a conductor, you found yourself performing with strangers who had to be tamed?

Pierre Boulez Yes, that's true.

And is it still like this?

With large ensembles, sometimes, yes. Because they are motivated by the works of the repertoire and not by contemporary works. Sometimes you have to teach them everything, but generally there isn't too much resistance. With age and experience, the relationship with other musicians becomes almost... natural. Today I have freed myself from all my administrative tasks, I...

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