I approach everything as chamber music. Even with Beethoven symphonies, I lead from the violin and basically encourage the orchestra to think of it as a giant string quartet.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes collaboration and a personal touch in music, even with grand compositions.
Joshua Bell likens his approach to conducting orchestras to that of chamber music, suggesting a focus on intimacy and collaboration, rather than hierarchy. By leading from the violin and encouraging the orchestra to see themselves as part of a smaller, cohesive group, he highlights the importance of communication and unity in creating music, even in larger symphonic works like those of Beethoven.
In practice
Using this quote in a workshop on music collaboration to emphasize the importance of teamwork.
I always have loved the Stradivarius. My teacher, Josef Gingold, he had a Stradivarius. As a treat, he would put it under my chin and let me play a few notes, and I remember that feeling of the overtones, the complexity of the sound. It's like a great wine.
So much of performing is a mind game. You're memorizing thousands of notes, and if you start thinking about it in the wrong way, everything can blow up in your face.
I respected Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. Those were my heroes, and they were 10 years older than I was.
All you needed was a couple of instruments and a few chords and you could be on an indie label.
Songs are funny things. They can slip across borders. Proliferate in prisons. Penetrate hard shells. I always believed that the right song at the right moment could change history.
Of emotions, of love, of breakup, of love and hate and death and dying, mama, apple pie, and the whole thing. It covers a lot of territory, country music does.
'When Doves Cry' came out - it sounded like nothing that was on the radio. 'Let's Go Crazy' was number one on R&B stations, and there's nothing that's been like that on radio since.
I will keep playing as long as my body lets me, and as long as I'm wanted by my listeners. Because music is the only thing that keeps me going.
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