Meaning: This quote by James Levine, a renowned conductor and musician, reflects his decision to focus his efforts on conducting at prestigious institutions like the Metropolitan Opera (the Met) and gradually stepping away from guest conducting engagements. The quote suggests that Levine found a deeper sense of fulfillment and artistic satisfaction in his work at the Met, which led him to prioritize those opportunities over others.

James Levine is a highly respected figure in the classical music world, known for his exceptional talent as a conductor and his influential leadership at the Met. Throughout his career, he has been celebrated for his ability to bring out the depth and richness of musical compositions through his conducting.

In this quote, Levine describes a deliberate and gradual process of shifting his professional focus. The phrase "little by little" indicates that this change did not happen abruptly, but rather unfolded over time. This suggests that Levine carefully considered his priorities and made intentional decisions about where to direct his energy and talents.

The mention of "pretty nearly all of the guest conducting" implies that Levine significantly reduced his involvement in guest conducting engagements. Guest conducting typically involves leading orchestras or ensembles in performances outside of one's primary institutional affiliation. This decision to scale back on guest conducting suggests that Levine was making room for other opportunities that aligned more closely with his artistic goals and personal fulfillment.

The quote also highlights Levine's emphasis on working "in this sort of depth" at the Met. This phrase suggests that the depth of artistic exploration and interpretation available to him at the Met was a crucial factor in his decision-making process. It implies that his work at the Met allowed him to engage with music in a more profound and meaningful way than his guest conducting commitments did.

Levine's choice to prioritize his work at the Met over guest conducting speaks to the significance of finding environments that foster deep artistic exploration and growth. By focusing on opportunities that allowed him to work in "this sort of depth," Levine prioritized quality over quantity, investing his time and expertise in a context that offered a more profound connection to the music and the artistic process.

Overall, this quote offers insight into James Levine's professional journey and the values that guided his career decisions. It sheds light on the importance of seeking out opportunities that align with one's artistic vision and provide a sense of depth and fulfillment. Levine's deliberate shift away from guest conducting in favor of the immersive and enriching experiences at the Met underscores the significance of finding environments that inspire and challenge artists to achieve their highest potential.