Interview Arcadi Volodos - France Musique - Classic Club

Classic Club with Arkady Volodos

Introduction to the Show

• The host welcomes listeners to Classic Club on France Musique, broadcasting live from Hôtel Bedford in Paris.

• Introduces Arkady Volodos, a renowned pianist who has lived and studied in France but is now based in Madrid.

Discussion of Musical Career

• Volodos reflects on his early career, mentioning a piece he recorded 20 years ago: "Variation sur un thème de Carmen" by George Bizet.

• He expresses surprise at listening to his younger self, noting that it feels like another pianist is playing.

Reflections on Youth and Experience

• Volodos discusses how he no longer plays certain pieces from his youth and reflects on the naivety and happiness of being young.

• He quotes Arthur Schopenhauer about life being viewed differently as one ages, comparing youthful optimism to later realizations.

Personal Insights

• The conversation shifts to personal experiences; Volodos shares that life has its ups and downs, including periods of disappointment.

• He mentions feeling content currently but acknowledges challenges faced throughout life.

Balancing Life and Music

• Discusses achieving balance between personal life and music career; emphasizes the importance of family time after having a daughter.

• Mentions reducing concert frequency for personal fulfillment while still wanting to perform more in the future.

Living in Madrid vs. Paris

• Reflecting on his move from Paris to Madrid seven years ago for family reasons; appreciates both cities for different reasons.

Concerts and Musical Evolution

Upcoming Concerts

• Discussion about upcoming concerts on Wednesday and Thursday featuring the Orchestre de Paris, following a performance at Harmonie de Paris.

• Mention of a second concert in Haut-de-Bram, alongside references to the latest album "Vagra," which focuses on mature compositions.

Insights into Scriabin's Music

• Reference to Arkady Volodos' 2009 concert performance of Scriabin's work, highlighting its radical departure from previous musical styles.

• The music is described as full of sensuality and incredible sonority, showcasing a different aspect of Volodos' artistic universe.

Artistic Development and Technique

Personal Growth in Music

• Volodos reflects on how his current musical expression aligns more closely with his personality compared to earlier works.

• Acknowledgment of having an incredible technique but shifting focus away from high virtuosity towards compositional elements.

Transcription and Composition

• Emphasis on the creative process behind transcriptions that he has composed himself, allowing for variations each time he plays.

• Discusses the importance of improvisation in transcription art, indicating it as a significant part of his musical journey.

Musical Foundations and Influences

Early Musical Education

• Volodos shares his beginnings at Capella School where he sang in choirs and learned orchestral direction.

• His playing style is noted for its orchestral qualities, focusing on color manipulation rather than just technical prowess.

Philosophical Views on Piano Playing

• Quoting Anton Rubinstein about pianos being capable of producing myriad sounds; emphasizes the piano's versatility beyond mere technical skill.

• Discussion about how great pianists can excel regardless of hand size, stressing mental development over physical attributes in piano playing.

Practice Philosophy

Approach to Practice

• Volodos reflects on not solely relying on physical practice but also emphasizing internal work for musical growth.

• He mentions that while regular piano practice is essential, developing one's mind is crucial for effective playing.

Creative Exploration

• Highlights the significance of composing and improvising as vital components for evolving as a pianist.

Rachmaninov's Unique Musical Identity

Recognition of Rachmaninov's Style

• The ability to recognize Rachmaninov's playing within just three seconds is highlighted as a rare quality among contemporary pianists, emphasizing the distinctiveness of his musical personality.

• The speaker notes that listening to Rachmaninov evokes a sense of grandeur and emotional depth, akin to the experiences provided by legendary musicians like Sofronits.

Tradition in Chopin Interpretation

• The discussion shifts to Chopin, where the speaker defends Rachmaninov’s interpretations against criticism, suggesting they reflect Anton Rubinstein's traditions.

• It is argued that Rachmaninov continues Rubinstein’s legacy in his performances, showcasing an athletic and virtuosic style that resonates with audiences.

Personal Connection to Music

• The speaker expresses a deep reverence for Rachmaninov, likening him to a divine figure in music and noting the significant difference he represents compared to other pianists throughout history.

• Both Rachmaninov and Sofronits are identified as pivotal influences on the speaker’s musical journey, highlighting their unique personalities and contributions.

The Mystery of Musical Experience

• The emotional impact of hearing these musicians is discussed; understanding why they evoke such feelings could diminish their magic.

• A belief in miracles within music is emphasized—suggesting that without this faith, one should reconsider pursuing piano.

The Journey into Piano

Early Musical Influences

• The speaker recounts how exposure to vinyl records at a young age sparked an interest in piano music, particularly through recordings by Vladimir Sofronits.

• A transformative moment occurred around age 13 or 14 when the decision was made to pursue piano seriously after being influenced by powerful musical experiences.

Childhood Memories and Development

• Reflecting on childhood activities like football highlights a vibrant upbringing before fully committing to music; this balance contributed positively to personal development.

• The speaker describes being lively rather than disciplined during school years, contrasting with typical narratives of child prodigies who start formal training very early.

Educational Background in Music

• Discussion about Soviet educational systems reveals that piano lessons were supplementary rather than primary until students pursued professional paths later on.

Reflections on Brahms and Rachmaninov

The Depth of Musical Works

• The speaker reflects on the profound nature of Brahms' work, particularly noting the mystery and depth in his music. They mention a recent recording that evokes nostalgia.

• There is a sense of disappointment when comparing their own performance to an exceptional version by D'Israël Bimoul, highlighting the challenges of capturing the essence of such complex pieces.

The Role of Audience in Performance

• The speaker discusses how live audiences significantly enhance inspiration during performances compared to studio recordings, which can feel limiting despite offering more opportunities for variations.

• They emphasize that audience reactions during concerts are crucial; silence and stillness indicate a successful performance, as it creates an electric atmosphere.

Interaction Between Musician and Audience

• The conversation suggests that playing music is a collective act involving both the musician and the audience, with each contributing to the overall experience.

• The idea is presented that performing might be akin to channeling spirits from the past through music, suggesting a deep connection between composers like Brahms and contemporary musicians.

Time Constraints in Mastery

• Acknowledgment is made regarding the limitations of human life in mastering great works; some compositions may never be played at an acceptable level within one's lifetime.

• Choices about which composers to perform are discussed, indicating personal preferences influence repertoire selection.

Recording Challenges and Responsibilities

• The speaker shares their focus on German composers over recent years but expresses a return to Russian music starting in 2018.

• Recording sessions for Brahms were extensive and challenging; they express high standards for their work, leading to dissatisfaction until achieving desired results.

Frequency of Recordings

• It’s noted that they typically release one album every four years but aim to increase this frequency due to time constraints.

• There’s pressure associated with recording due to numerous existing interpretations of classical works; careful consideration precedes each studio session.

Legacy vs. Personal Life

• The speaker acknowledges feeling dwarfed by the genius of composers like Brahms, recognizing their contributions far outweigh individual achievements while maintaining respect for their own artistic journey.

Exploring Brahms' Musical Evolution

The Decision to Record Specific Pieces

• The initial intention was to record the last pieces, specifically numbers 76, 77, and 78. However, the decision evolved to include earlier works that showcase Brahms' compositional style.

Spirituality in Brahms' Music

• A discussion on whether Brahms' music can be considered mystical or spiritual; the speaker believes all of Brahms’ music has a spiritual essence, as exemplified by his work Op. 17, which he referred to as "the lullaby of my sufferings."

Late Works of Great Composers

• The conversation touches on the genius found in late works of composers, suggesting they often reflect profound insights not fully understood during their lifetimes.

Philosophical Influences on Music

• The speaker admires philosophers who have deeply understood music; mentions Chopin's pessimistic philosophies and how they relate to musical expression.

Understanding Bach's Influence

• A quote about Bach’s significance: “If God owes anything to anyone, it is to Johann Sebastian Bach.” This highlights Bach's foundational role in music history and philosophy.

The Role of Philosophy in Music Appreciation

Reading Preferences and Philosophical Insights

• The speaker reflects on their reading habits, emphasizing a preference for philosophy and biographies over other genres. They believe these readings enhance understanding of music.

Importance of Direct Engagement with Music

• While literature provides insights into music, the speaker asserts that direct engagement with music itself offers deeper understanding than any written word could provide.

Personal Experiences with Piano Practice

Balancing Family Life and Musical Passion

• The speaker discusses challenges in maintaining piano practice due to family obligations; their daughter frequently requests performances upon their return home.

Refreshing Perspective After Breaks from Playing

• Taking breaks from playing allows for renewed appreciation when returning; each note feels fresh again after time away from the instrument.

Challenges of Performing with an Orchestra

Personal Preferences Regarding Concert Schedules

• The speaker expresses discomfort with early concert schedules due to fatigue affecting performance quality; this impacts their willingness to perform regularly with orchestras.

Upcoming Performances

• Mentioned upcoming concerts at Philharmonie de Paris featuring Brahms’ second concerto; emphasizes rarity in performing with an orchestra recently.

This structured summary captures key discussions around Brahms' musical evolution, philosophical influences on his work, personal experiences related to piano practice, and challenges faced while performing. Each point is linked directly back to its corresponding timestamp for easy reference.

Concert Preferences and Musical Philosophy

Limited Concert Engagement

• The speaker expresses a lack of concert opportunities, indicating that many orchestras are not preferred. They mention a preference for general performances in the morning, which limits their participation.

Future Plans with Orchestras

• The speaker contemplates potentially stopping playing with orchestras altogether, suggesting a significant shift in their musical career. They emphasize the importance of attending upcoming performances to avoid future regrets.

Evolution of Musical Programs

• The speaker discusses changing programs infrequently, focusing on the evolution of pieces over time rather than quickly cycling through new works. This reflects a deep engagement with music as an evolving art form.

Emotional Connection to Music

• There is a sense of sadness when leaving behind well-practiced programs. The speaker values continuity and growth in their repertoire rather than constantly introducing new pieces without depth.

Richness in Musical Works

• The speaker believes that rich compositions are essential for meaningful musical experiences. They enjoy revisiting works after years to discover new insights and interpretations.

Discussion on Arcady Volodos' Album

Overview of the Album's Themes

• A recent album by Arcady Volodos is described as superb yet emotionally complex, likened to delicate lacework that can evoke feelings of melancholy.

Philosophical Influences on Composition

• The discussion highlights how Volodos draws from Zen philosophies and Buddhism, emphasizing minimalism in his compositions while also referencing historical influences like Chopin.

Deconstruction in Music Creation

• Volodos aims to distill music down to its essence by removing unnecessary notes, focusing instead on creating profound silence interwoven with sound—a concept rooted in Buddhist philosophy.

Personal Interests and Upcoming Performances

Interest in Buddhism

• While not identifying strictly as a Buddhist, the speaker expresses interest in Buddhist philosophies and acknowledges their influence on composers like Chopin Gaur.

Upcoming Concert Schedule

• Details about upcoming concerts featuring Arkady Volodos are shared, including performances at the Philharmonie de Paris and other venues throughout June and September 2023.

This structured summary captures key discussions from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference back to specific moments within the conversation.

Cocktail Creation and Experience

Discussion on the Cocktail's Characteristics

• The cocktail is noted for being not overly alcoholic, which is considered a rare quality.

• A pleasant aroma was highlighted; the speaker mentioned having smelled it earlier, indicating a positive sensory experience.

• The cocktail is a collaborative creation involving Olivier, even though he was on vacation during its development. This suggests ongoing communication and teamwork in cocktail crafting.

Promotion of the Cocktail

• The featured cocktail, named Mentachello, will be available at Rélet Bedford until Sunday as the "cocktail of the week," showcasing its limited-time appeal.

• Ludovic is credited with preparing this special cocktail, emphasizing his role in its presentation and promotion.

Closing Remarks

• Gratitude was expressed towards Arcadivolodos for their participation in the show, highlighting a sense of community and appreciation within the event context.

• An invitation was extended for future visits to Paris from Madrid, reinforcing connections between locations and encouraging continued engagement with guests.