Final Soirée of the 10th Vietri sul Mare - Amalfi Coast International Piano Competition

Prizegiving in the Final Soirée of the 10th Vietri sul Mare - Amalfi Coast International Piano Competition in cooperation with Salerno Conservatoire at Salerno Opera House http://www.teatroverdisalerno.it/ with Arkadij Zenzipér in the jury and the winner Gonzalo Paredes

see the 2011 Edition:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk_r3SVjmPE

Interview with Arkadij Zenzipér:

Music as an inner experience and search for truth

Regarding music education, do you believe there are significant differences between the teaching method used in your countries and what you found here in Italy ?
"I think that beyond the differences that may exist among the various piano schools, in music the aim is one and the same: come to make good music. The truth is always unique, and is always something obvious, clear, plain, of course, then there are always aspects of truth, the various points of view on the truth. In music is the same: there is only one truth, even if each school focuses on this or that particular music aspect. But again, the ultimate goal, the purpose, the target is always the same for everyone. Think of Vietri Piano Competition: the Commission which I served consisted of musicians from all over the world, coming from various countries and therefore different piano schools, but we always agree on everything, we were different people but with a single mentality and sensibility. I was fine with all my foreigner fellows, we realized to have the same ideas on the aesthetics of music, in short, a substantial unity of thinking on music. I believe that actually there is no Spanish method, Russian method or Italian method, but there are only individual teachers, each with his specific musical personality and his cultural background. "
Then please speak on your personal teaching method.
I can not answer this question. My personal method is too complex to be explained in few words. Also I never speak of my method of teaching piano, but I let others to talk about it. For example, in Germany for a long time Professor Grimmer has attended and filmed my lectures, and later she wrote a book on me and my method. I can only say I try to help my students in finding their personal road to music, to find truth within themselves. I am just a man trying to help people find their way with the help of music. I believe that music can heal people, can help them come true, music will definitely help you find purpose in life: music can be a perfect self-therapy. In this way Glenn Gould conceived music.
How much are important for a pianist technique and sound ?
"Technique and sound are not two separate elements but are the same. There is no technique and sound separately, but there is a sound technique: technique does not exist without sound: technique is sound. For example, typing is a technique in its pure state. Playing the piano, however, is a technique inseparable from its musical and sound consequences, which are linked to this technique. All good teachers work in sound, work to achieve sound through technique. Even virtuosity must always be tied to sound: I think the best example of pianist able to marry to perfection technical virtuosity and sound nuances is Walter Gieseking. His performances of Ravel are wonderful, his ability to produce music is phenomenal. Another example, as executor, is Rachmaninov, for the culture of singing and beautiful sound."
During your lecture on Chopin, you invited the young pianist to relax, breathe deeply, watching the sea, to seek inspiration, to carve out a moment of spirituality. How important is spirituality to be able to make good music and engage the listener emotionally?
"The question is individual. This is a personal search for inner peace, balance, harmony. If you are unable to reach this condition, it is impossible to play. The problem of the performer, who plays in public, is to find a complete and unshakable stability, a total inner peace. A pianist is a musician but also an artist. Every good pianist must have inner peace, passion for music, good technique and especially ability to bring out sound from the piano keys. The pianist is an intermediary between the composer and the public: must get music from the score and art from the notes. "
Your wife is a pianist, often you played together. How is your artistic relationship ?
"We play always. Three or four times a year we perform in four hands or two piano concerts. I also play with other pianists, but with my wife it's obviously very much different and more exciting. It is also fun because we often argue about musical matters. "

Lorenzo De Donato

read the complete interview:
http://www.consalerno.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&i...


for information on upcoming competitions contact Ms Antonia Willburger
39 329 4158640
ctavietri@libero.it
http://www.eventsandmusic.it/concorso-pianistico/inglese/default.htm

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Arkadij
• Zenzipér
• Vietri
• sul
• Mare
• Amalfi
• Coast
• International
• Piano
• Competition
• Salerno
• Opera
• House