Barenboim takes it day-by-day, balancing music with illness

By COLLEEN BARRY
Associated Press

MILAN (AP) — At no time during his seven-decade career did renowned pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim ever consider slowing down his frenetic pace. That is until his health issues forced him to. Just two weeks after formally stepping down as the Berlin’s State Opera music director after 30 years, the 80-year-old Barenboim has an impromptu engagement conducting at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala as a last-minute sub. Barenboim told the Associated Press, “I have been hit, but I feel well, and I can make music. I am very happy making music.’’