Mahler from Berlin

Often, people ask critics, “What is the best orchestra? What’s your favorite orchestra? Who’s better, this one or that one?” I always say, it depends on the conductor. Orchestras cannot be judged independently—without consideration of the conductor. It all comes down to the man, or woman, on the podium, leading. Take the Big Five orchestras in the United States—plus Pittsburgh, L.A., San Francisco, and any other orchestra you fancy. Which is best? What’s the ranking? As I hear it, these orchestras are roughly equal, in personnel—in overall ability. Who’s conducting? That’s the question.