Karajan has many sides. In the moment of creation he concentrates on one aspect while setting aside or even eliminating the rest. No orchestra can perform every work by every composer at a world-class level with stylistic fidelity. Karajan knew this too. Instead of expanding his repertoire, he focused on the works of a few composers and tried to set the standard for them. He therefore became preeminent in one area and left great achievements behind, and he simply did not touch works that were better suited to a different kind of orchestra or to specific composers. (156p)
From Frank Arnold, translated by Choi Da-kyung, Management — 62 Absolute Lessons Relearned from the Best (Deosoop)
"You should know that Leonardo da Vinci dabbled in so many things in order to grasp art as a whole that he never really finished anything." Giorgio Vasari, who lived in the same era as Michelangelo and wrote biographies of the famous painters, sculptors, and architects of his time, said this of Da Vinci: "Even for geniuses, a little lack may actually be better." 'Systematic abandonment' is important. If even a genius like Da Vinci needs it, ordinary people need it all the more. Herbert von Karajan was a master of systematic abandonment. He led the Berlin Philharmonic from 1955 to 1989 and stood at the top, and he never broadened his repertoire. He focused on only a few composers and aimed to be the best at them. A little lack may actually be better... I find myself thinking, as time goes on, that practicing this 'systematic abandonment' really is hard. I try not to forget how important it is. On top of your usual to-do list, try making a 'stop-doing list' too.
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