Violin Virtuosity

by cityweekend | Posted on Nov 08 2007 | Coming Soon 0 Comments | 0 Bookmarked

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Renowned performer Gidon Kremer searches for musical truth in China.

Latvian-born violinist Gidon Kremer has proven time and time again that in addition to being one of the leading classical artists on the world stage, he’s also one of the most compelling personalities. Winner of both the prestigious Paganini and Tchaikovsky Competitions in the late 1960's, Kremer vaulted onto the international concert circuit at a young age. In his career spanning nearly 50 years, he has recorded countless albums, written books, performed on nearly every major concert stage and even made his screen debut, portraying Nicola Paganini in the 1983 award-winning film “Spring Symphony.”

Known for his extensive and unconventional repertoire, Kremer has long championed the works of obscure and innovative composers such as ?stor Piazzolla, George Enescu, Philip Glass, Alfred Schnittke and John Adams. In an interview with City Weekend, Kremer admits that he considers it his duty to “serve” composers. “I’ve never allowed anyone, be it parents, teachers, managers, publicity agents, judges or critics, to influence my search for truth in music,” Kremer says.

In 1997, Kremer founded the Kremerata Baltica chamber orchestra to foster the talents of outstanding young musicians hailing from the Baltic States. The chamber ensemble has toured extensively throughout the world, performing on the world’s most prestigious stages. “Kremerata Baltica is my family,” Kremer says. “Though we all come from different countries, with completely different native languages, we speak the same language through music. There's nothing related to routine, our music making is designed to always be fresh, unexpected and risky. We aim to have a very large diapason of repertoire, which is why you can find so many unusual pieces or transcriptions in our recordings.”

On top of his many recordings, Kremer has also consecrated his life’s work to print, publishing accounts of his artistic and personal evolution in German, Russian, Japanese, English and French. his latest book, “Splinters of Childhood” was recently translated into Chinese and published in the mainland. “The book describes all the problems I had as a gifted child,” Kremer explains. “I’m sure many readers might relate to these problems as well.”

Kremer’s upcoming performances in Shanghai and Beijing mark his second tour of China. “I’m really looking forward to meet Chinese audiences again,” he enthuses. “I have the best memories from my last visit to Shanghai, and I’m especially appreciating the enthusiasm of young people in this country! I hope to have enough time to enjoy sightseeing and of course, great Chinese food!”

As a special treat for Chinese audiences, Kremer will be performing on a violin made by Nicolo Amiti, dated from 1641. Amati, who is considered the crème de la crème of violin makers, was a teacher for both famed makers Antonio Stradivari and Guarneri Del Gesu. “The instrument has a real personality, which allows me to be permanently inspired by it,” Kremer says. During this tour, Kremer will be performing chamber and solo violin works by Schubert, Strauss, Mahler and Schnittke. “This repertoire is a build up in order to involve close friends with whom I share the same values," Kremer says. "I am very happy to see among them the wonderful Chinese pianist Sa Chen, and also some Baltic musicians associated with Kremerata Balitica. We hope that our music making will be appreciated.”