Herbert Blomstedt is still conducting major symphony orchestras around the world at the age of 98. And as correspondent Martha Teichner reports, he plans to continue doing so past 100 because, he says, "I have gifts I have to live up to."

Herbert Blomstedt, a man who seems to have struck a Faustian bargain with time itself.

At 96, his baton still wields the power to conjure symphonies, not from some youthful exuberance, but from a wellspring of experience so deep it borders on the mystical.

He hasn't merely cheated time; he's transcended it.

His is not the fleeting brilliance of a shooting star, but the enduring glow of a constellation, each performance a testament to a lifetime spent in communion with music.

While contemporaries have faded into the annals of history, Blomstedt continues to command orchestras, his interpretations honed by decades of dedicated study and performance.

His approach isn't about flashy displays of virtuosity, but a profound understanding of the composer's intention, a patient unraveling of the musical tapestry, revealing threads others miss.

His tempos are considered, his phrasing meticulous, imbued with a wisdom only age can grant.

There's a serenity in his conducting, a quiet authority that speaks volumes without a single raised voice.

It's not merely longevity that defines his defiance of time.

It's the vitality that courses through his interpretations, a youthful spirit that refuses to be confined by the passage of years.

His conducting is not a mere technical exercise; it’s a deeply spiritual act, a sharing of emotion and understanding.

He connects with the musicians on a profound level, drawing from them not just technical proficiency but also a shared passion that translates into performances of breathtaking beauty and emotional depth.

Perhaps the secret to his longevity lies not just in physical health, but in the life he's chosen.

Music, in all its complexity and beauty, is his elixir, his constant companion.

He has poured his heart and soul into it, and in return, it has gifted him with a life beyond measure, a legacy that will continue to resonate long after his final bow.

Herbert Blomstedt hasn’t just cheated time; he’s woven himself into its fabric, becoming a living testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the enduring magic of music.

He is proof that time, though relentless, can be shaped, guided, and even, in a way, transcended.