Spain after Franco

 

Music during the Franco regime was atrophied. No self-respecting artist would work with the orchestras because they were lazy and disinterested. Lamberto Gardelli spoke of the players bring in their cups of coffee and reading newspapers in rehearsals. Only a Celibidache could rouse the musicians out of their lethargy.

With the death of Franco everything changed and musical life blossomed in the most wonderful way. 

I always remember the orchestra of Galicia with young enthusiastic players, many just out of conservatoire. They played excellently. Nothing phased them. That was repeated across the board. Now there is no trace of the former hopelessness.

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