Christoph von Dohnányi 1929 –2025
© Terry O’Neill / Decca
Christoph von Dohnányi was a leading figure in the international operatic and concert scene for more than half a century. His influence was great during his nine years as GMD and Opera Director of Oper Frankfurt (1968–1977). Thomas Guggeis says farewell to him, looking back on the paths they shared.
»Christoph von Dohnányi’s determined pursuit of excellence and scrupulous artistic integrity had a significant impact on Oper Frankfurt as one of my predecessors, and he had a lasting influence on me: In 2018, assisting him on a production of Salome in Berlin, I witnessed his consummate pursuit of musical and dramatic perfection – even, and especially, when things got difficult. During his time in Frankfurt he and Hans Neuenfels paved the way for modern music theater – but on this production they couldn’t, and didn’t want to, travel this path together, because von Dohnányi's respect for the integrity of work was too great. So he stepped down and helped me with all his might to take over the premiere, which was attended by a certain Bernd Loebe – and that was the start of my career and my path to this unique company, which I now have the privilege of leading musically.
We were in frequent contact over the past few years. He always gave me valuable advice and came to my debut with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra – not without giving me some brief, but extremely helpful criticism during the interval in my dressing room. As a token of his affection he bequeathed a significant part of his collection of scores to Oper Frankfurt and me. These show what a versatile and serious musician he was: countless scores of world premieres, unknown works, awaiting rediscovery, and the great masterpieces of the core repertoire, along with extensive volumes of documents containing correspondence and analyses. During our last conversation before his death, he expressed concern again about the future of opera and theatre and suggested Frankfurt as a possible location for a “model workshop” for how music theatre can be successful. I’m delighted I was able to assure him, in all good conscience, that everyone at his former home are giving their all to realise this vision.«
Thomas Guggeis
General Music Director Oper Frankfurt