Richard Bonynge Quotes

Powerful Richard Bonynge for Daily Growth

About Richard Bonynge

Richard Bonynge (born February 14, 1930) is an Australian conductor, pianist, musicologist, and impresario, renowned for his contributions to the world of opera and classical music. Born in Kensington, London, he was raised in Australia by his parents, both musicians. His mother, Phyllis Mills, was a piano teacher, and his father, Archibald Bonynge, was a violinist and musicologist. Growing up, Richard displayed an early affinity for music and began learning the piano at age four. Bonynge's academic journey took him to Oxford University, where he studied musicology and conducted the Magdalen College choir. His professional career took off in the 1950s when he became the repetiteur (assistant conductor) for the Covent Garden Opera Company. In this role, he worked closely with many renowned opera singers, including Joan Sutherland, his future wife and long-time musical partner. In 1967, Bonynge moved to Australia and became a naturalized citizen in 1984. He has since been a significant figure in the Australian cultural scene, serving as the artistic director of the Sydney Opera from 1970 to 1975. His major works include numerous opera recordings with Sutherland, such as "Lucia di Lammermoor," "La Fille du Régiment," and "Adriana Lecouvreur." Throughout his career, Bonynge has been celebrated for his expertise in the repertoire of 19th-century Italian opera. His musicological work, particularly on the life and works of Donizetti, has significantly contributed to the field. He continues to perform and lecture worldwide, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of classical music. Quotes from Richard Bonynge often reflect his passion for music and its impact: "Music is a universal language that transcends borders and speaks directly to our hearts and souls."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Music is a language that doesn't speak in words. It speaks in emotions."

This quote emphasizes that music, like human emotion, lacks verbal expression but communicates feelings powerfully. Music transcends the need for words to convey complex sentiments, tapping directly into our emotional consciousness.

"Opera is not just about music and drama; it is a total work of art where every detail counts."

Richard Bonynge's quote emphasizes that opera transcends mere music and drama, encompassing all elements of art to form a harmonious whole. Every detail in the production – from the costumes, sets, lighting, to acting, singing, and orchestration – contributes significantly to the overall impact of an opera performance. It suggests that the essence of opera lies not only in the emotional narrative but also in the meticulous blending of multiple artistic disciplines to create a unified, immersive experience for the audience.

"Conducting an opera orchestra is like conducting a whole town, each part with its own problems and emotions."

This quote by Richard Bonynge suggests that conducting an opera orchestra isn't merely about leading musicians; it's more akin to governing a town. Each section of the orchestra - like different parts of a city - has its unique challenges and emotions, mirroring the complexities and nuances found in any urban community. It underscores the importance of empathy, understanding, and skillful management in bringing cohesion and harmony to such a diverse and intricate setting.

"The great thing about operas is that they are so varied: there are tragic operas, comic operas, historical operas, contemporary operas... There's something for everyone!"

Richard Bonynge's quote emphasizes the diverse nature of operas, highlighting their ability to cater to a wide range of preferences. The categories mentioned (tragic, comic, historical, contemporary) suggest the versatility of opera as a genre, offering various themes and emotions that resonate with different audiences. This makes opera an appealing art form for everyone who appreciates music and storytelling.

"In opera, the music does not only accompany the singing; it is an integral part of the drama."

The quote highlights that in opera, music is not just a background element but an essential component of the storytelling itself. It underscores the idea that both the singing and the music work together to create a harmonious and immersive dramatic experience for the audience. The music not only supports the narrative but also embodies and enhances the emotions, actions, and atmospheres portrayed in the opera.

I am one of the luckiest people ever born.

- Richard Bonynge

I Am, Born, Ever, Luckiest

I like digging around. I'm a real magpie. I used to raid the old music shops in the early '50s in Paris and Brussels. You could pick up some incredible and often valuable music for almost nothing back then.

- Richard Bonynge

Back, Some, Almost, Digging

I've had a wonderful life - I really didn't expect to have this career.

- Richard Bonynge

Career, Expect, Had, Wonderful Life

I am busy all day long. Never bored - I don't know what the word means.

- Richard Bonynge

Long, Means, Am, Bored

Don't talk to me about Freud. I'll go up the wall!

- Richard Bonynge

Me, Go, About, Freud

I go to bed at midnight and get up at 9. I never take a nap. I don't get tired.

- Richard Bonynge

Go, Bed, Midnight, Nap

I'm very fortunate. I've led a charmed life, I think.

- Richard Bonynge

Think, I Think, Very, Charmed

When I started, I'd never had a conducting lesson in my life; I could just do it.

- Richard Bonynge

My Life, Lesson, Could, Just Do It

You go to a musical; you are deafened by them, with everything blown up. I remember musicals when they didn't use microphones.

- Richard Bonynge

I Remember, Use, Musical, Musicals

The most important thing for any performer is to know your own weaknesses. It's much more important to know what you can't do than what you can do.

- Richard Bonynge

The Most Important, More, Weaknesses

If I can't do an opera as well as most people, I won't do it at all. I don't want to touch Wagner because I think a lot of people do it a hell of a lot better than I could. I do the operas I think I can do, know something about.

- Richard Bonynge

Opera, I Think, Wagner, Operas

The idea is not to have one great singer surrounded by a bunch of nit wits. When the others are good, too, that's when you get something happening in opera.

- Richard Bonynge

Opera, Singer, Surrounded, Wits

Lots of young singers come to me and ask, 'May I sing to you?' I say, 'Yes, you can sing to me as long as you don't mind what I tell you, because I'm not going to flatter you. I'm going to tell you what I think.' Oh, yes, they're quite happy about that, until they hear it.

- Richard Bonynge

Young, Tell, I Think, Singers

It takes a big voice a long time to develop properly; the bigger it is, the harder it is to develop the technique.

- Richard Bonynge

Voice, Long Time, Big, Properly

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