Jukka-Pekka Saraste on his Beethoven cycle: 'All Beethoven interpretations need time to mature. The time we spend playing his symphonies is just as important as the time lapse in between. After a while the orchestra begins to feel a personal bond with a particular sort of music. And that is just what has happened over the past eight years, in which the WDR Symphony Orchestra and I have frequently played all of the symphonies – except the sixth. I believe that Beethoven's impact is paramount because his message can be felt everywhere. Not just in Europe. A message of strength, of humanity – and one that places human culture in the forefront. There is so much destruction in the world; we need to hold on to things that enrich the spirit.' Johannes Zink in conversation with Jukka-Pekka Saraste.