Everybody seems to fear Schoenberg. You name it in a meeting with presenters, for concerts, or for tours, you immediately see a concerned mimic and have the feeling of being considered an idiot only for having dared to suggest it. We should better listen, without prejudice, and we would understand that especially works like “Verklärte Nacht” or “Pelleas und Melisande” are written in the big romantic tradition of Wagner. I am happy to conduct this fantastic masterwork with the NHK Orchestra in Tokyo in December. I hope, no, I am sure of a big success with this score: its luxury and beauty will surely seduce our audience.