On the 100th anniversary of Pierre Boulez, a lot has been written about the composer, conductor, and cultural icon. Amid all the commentary, a recent video caught Moto Perpetuo’s attention.
It comes from Samuel Andreyev, a French-Canadian composer and educator based in Strasbourg. Very active on social media, Andreyev has built a loyal audience through his insightful YouTube videos , which often spark lively discussions around 20th- and 21st-century music. In a 33-minute video essay, he offers a personal and honest reflection on Boulez’s legacy—one that mixes admiration with clear-eyed critique.
Andreyev first encountered Boulez’s music as a teenager. Le marteau sans maître made an immediate impression. “I was completely entranced by it,” he says. Over time, he would go on to attend Boulez’s rehearsals, meet him in person, and even receive his encouragement as a young composer.
But the video doesn’t shy away from difficult questions. Andreyev expresses a strong preference for Boulez’s early works and admits struggling with many of the later ones, which he describes as “exhausting” and “overextended.” He also addresses Boulez’s divisive public image—his polemical tone, controversial statements, and the impact that had on his legacy.
Still, the video is anything but dismissive. It’s a thoughtful attempt to sort out a complicated legacy, and a rare example of a composer speaking openly about another—without hero worship, but with genuine curiosity and respect.
“Return to the pieces,” Andreyev says. “Listen to the music.”
We recommend watching the full 33-minute video for the complete reflection—it’s well worth your time.
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