Sir Charles Mackerras - One of the greatest conductors of all time

In their April issue, BBC Music Magazine takes a look at 'The 20 Greatest Conductors of All Time' as voted by 100 of today's leading conductors.  The great Sir Charles Mackerras has been included in this honorary list.  'Known for his eye for detail, exuberance and phenomenal musical memory, Mackerras was also at the forefront of the authentic performance movement.' We at Linn had the opportunity to know this man with immense personal charisma and endless energy -  our professional association with Sir Charles began in 2002 with the recording of the Mozart Requiem with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and each collaboration got better and better.

John Eliot Gardiner picked Sir Charles as his biggest inspiration - here's why:

'I owe Sir Charles Mackerras a huge debt.  He was one of the very few conductors generous enough to treat his colleagues not as rivals, but as co-interpreters, with whom to impart and exchange personal findings, hints, tricks, or shared enthusiasms.  Over the years he would often invite me to his home in St John's Wood to discuss scores (Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Berlioz, Schumann, Dvorák, Martinu) or to give me a "driving lesson" in whichever Janácek opera I was conducting at the time.  A great guy who is only just beginning to get posthumous recognition.'

We have no doubt that Sir Charles was one of the greatest conductors ever - it's incredibly moving and inspiring to see how many conductors around the world agree.  To experience the brilliance of Sir Charles, visit his artist page here or listen to his critically-acclaimed recordings below.