The New Jersey Newsroom recently featured a very interesting interview with violinist Joshua Bell. Bell, one of the most recognizable musicians among classical performers and listeners, has a rather interesting place in the pantheon of classical professionals. Described as a modern “reincarnation of Franz Liszt,” but unlike “Jascha Heifitz,” the interview yields some deep insights into Bell’s mind and classical music juxtaposed with other main phenomena of today.
Q. Here’s a tough question: How do great violinists differ from good violinists?
Bell: Well…there’s something called the X factor. A great musician has a quality that’s sometimes hard to define — not just a very good student who can play all the notes. I think someone who’s a great artist has a way of drawing you into their musical story in a way that transcends their instrument – and you stop thinking about the instrument itself, being drawn into the world of the composer. And not that many people really do that. It’s the difference between a great actor like Meryl Streep, and a good actor. There are only a few of them. With Meryl Streep, you completely forget that she’s acting. You just totally believe her…. It is a hard question.
I highly recommend that you check out the full interview.
In other news:
- A fantastic performance by the Portland Symphony Orchestra brings new appreciation for composer Sibelius
- A violin and passion go a long way to educating and exciting kids
- A Hungarian violinist makes the greatest sacrifice for others
Finally, having been involved with making music to comfort those in need, this image hits home:
(image for Musicians on Call)
No comments yet.