With “Languages of Music Theater” Nikolaus Bachler looks back on his 13 years at the helm of the Bavarian State Opera.
Now the outgoing director has presented the book together with publisher Lothar Schirmer.
After 13 years, Nikolaus Bachler's directorship at the Bavarian State Opera ends.
As a farewell, Bachler presented the book “Sprachen des Musiktheater”.
For this purpose, Bachler conducted interviews with 15 directors.
“I see it all as a family festival,” says a relaxed Nikolaus Bachler in the National Theater, “because that's the family of this house, the artist family”.
And it is big: employees, companions and fans of the State Opera came to the presentation of the book "Sprachen des Musiktheater".
Bachler did not want to make “large illustrated books” for parting
The outgoing artistic director did not want to look back on his 13 years in Munich with “large illustrated books” - they would ultimately only “disappear on rummaging tables”.
Instead, Bachler held talks with 15 directors who shaped the house, from David Bösch to Mateja Koležnik and Axel Ranisch to Krzysztof Warlikowski.
Writer Albert Ostermaier ("I would not even exist as an author without Nikolaus Bachler") preceded the entertaining and informative interviews with a dreamlike essay.
Albert Ostermaier wrote an essay for the book
The book cover shows Bachler in the director's box. Publisher Lothar Schirmer is reminded of a portrait of the emperor on a Roman coin: “There is something Caesar about that”, he smiles at his humorous introduction. “But also something hidden,” calls out Bachler. Whatever the case, you can now read wonderfully that he has mastered the “high art of conversation” (Schirmer).
Before the presentation, three new additions were presented in the portrait gallery of the State Opera.
Daniel Silver created a marble bust of Kent Nagano, who was general music director at the house between 2006 and 2013.
Soprano Anja Kampe was portrayed wonderfully cheerful by photographer Greg Gorman - and the outgoing landlord was immortalized in oil by Raffi Kalendarian.
“A good picture, a very interesting picture,” says Bachler.
"I think it's good that I am not recognized." He is right.
Information about the book:
Nikolaus Bachler: "Languages of Music Theater". Schirmer / Mosel, Munich, 220 pages; 39.80 euros.