Classical music newbie host Alec Baldwin loses control of his interview to Maestro Alan Gilbert

During the intermission of the New York Philharmonic's 2010 New Year's Eve concert, broadcast via "Live at Lincoln Center," classical music newbie host Alec Baldwin starts off chatting with conductor Alan Gilbert about the concert performance of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, weirdly straining to distinguish between ballet and symphonic orchestras. But when their discussion turns to composer-in-residence Magnus Lindberg, things get ugly. Watch Baldwin squirm from the maestro's sensible disagreement, then deflect the blame for those simpleton biases about modern music. And best of all: watch the tables turn, when the interviewee takes control of the interview and starts asking Baldwin what he really thinks. (Mindless rambling ensues.)

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[steven4570]

i completely disagree with the title and description of this video...this was a very engaging and interesting discussion on the subject matter. two different point of views being shown here.

[cellolvr27]

Gilbert exudes a great amount of pretentiousness which is the REASON classical music is becoming a dying genre! Instead of answering these questions in a way that educates the audience, Gilbert's arrogance is extremely discouraging! I admire Alec Baldwin for all the support he has given to classical music and so should Alan Gilbert... after all Gilbert won't have an audience or a JOB if people aren't willing to learn about classical music!!

[Liz84977]

I think Paul your description for this video is spot on and absolutely hilarious! I'm a huge Alec Baldwin fan, he is a force of nature but he is way out of his depth here God love him! I am not sure however if Gilbert is being a tad mean-spirited and trying to catch Baldwin out or if he is being sincere in advancing a proper debate. Either way I would say Alec couldnt wait to get back to the Stern show!!

[NYAngelo]

His face? I don't mean that in a bad way, but when I look at him I just want to hate him.

[Chrisdvc26]

There's something overwhelmingly hateable about Gilbert. Can't put my finger on it.

[alfredo olivera de la vega]

I am sorry dear friends..Mr Baldwin should just be a gifted actor like he is ...you don't see Mr Gilbert trying to act ..because he wouldn't have a clue..

They should have found someone who at least would know anything about music or more prepared .

[Sodhats]

I don't see any pretentiousness or pompousness. Maybe he has a slightly smug smile, but really it's Alec Baldwin who comes across horribly here. Look at how he visibly fumes after being disagreed with.

[Mikeinatorable]

1:22

Tchaikovsky actually did write the music to accommodate the dancers. He worked long hours in the dance studio rehearsing his music with the dancers and changing it to make it easier to dance to. He's right in saying there's no "filler" there, but Tchaikovsky certainly did write it with the dancers in mind.

Gilbert also seems like a pompous ass. His blind denial of the enormous problems classical music faces is disgusting.

[muzluv33]

To say that classical music is dying is idiotic and ignorant to say the least. I am a subscriber

to the New York Philharmonic and while I (and others) prefer certain musical styles and pieces

to others, you should visit a concert hall during a performance and see how packed it is. Just

a different genre folks, nothing wrong with it. If you don't like it, listen to something else, but do not be above the fray and perpetuate the "stereotype" that you give to classical music and

musicians.

[PrivateGael]

It's an excellent, informative interview and both parties are interesting to watch.

[Fryderyk H]

I don't see any arrogance in this interview. I see a simple conversation between two people who want to learn each other's point of view. His answers to questions ARE educative for audience. He's presenting his thoughts plainly and clearly and he has full right to do that. I don't know why criticize him for that.