From the Archives: Paavo Järvi

In this archival episode of 'Here's the Thing,' Alec Baldwin sits down with renowned Estonian conductor Paavo Jarvi, exploring his extraordinary journey from a musical family in Soviet-era Estonia to becoming one of the world's most sought-after maestros. Jarvi reflects on the profound impact of the pandemic, which forced him to slow down and rediscover his sense of self, questioning the relentless pace of his career and embracing the value of unstructured time. He discusses his deep connection to music across genres—classical, rock, and jazz—emphasizing that the discipline and artistry are fundamentally the same, regardless of style. Jarvi also shares intimate stories of his family's defection to the U.S. at age 17, his early struggles with language and identity, and how his formative years at Juilliard’s pre-college program gave him a front-row seat to the art of conducting. He challenges the myth of the authoritarian conductor, instead positioning himself as a visionary who invites musicians to share in a collective artistic point of view. The conversation delves into the emotional power of slow, introspective music—particularly Bruckner and Mahler—and Jarvi’s belief that true artistry lies in making the familiar feel new. He also touches on the unique cultural legacy of American midwestern orchestras, the importance of long-term artistic relationships, and the deep intimacy he finds in the shared language of music between partners in the classical world.