Dvořák’s Cello Concerto is a monumental work in the cello repertoire. How do you approach the emotional depth and complexity of this piece in your interpretation?
“[Antonín] Dvořák wrote this concerto during a tumultuous time near the end of his three years in the U.S. There were complications with his employment as Director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York, which undoubtedly worsened his homesickness for Bohemia.
Additionally, his sister-in-law, Josefina, with whom he’d fallen in love before he married her sister, was gravely ill. The second movement features one of his songs she particularly liked, which he recapped at the end of the work. Owing to his circumstances and the intensity and contrast of moods in the piece, it seems apparent that Dvořák poured his heart out in his Cello Concerto. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the performer to do the same.”
The interplay between the soloist and the orchestra in this concerto is beautifully intricate. How do you collaborate with the conductor and your fellow musicians to ensure that the dialogue between the cello and orchestra remains fluid and cohesive?
“The cello shines mostly throughout the concerto, of course, but one example of collaborating with the orchestra is in the middle of the first movement where the flute has a solo, and the cello has more of a supporting line, so a smart cellist would choose to follow the principal flute. This is why we rehearse, to make sure all of our expressions are unified in one glorious, musical experience.”
What personal connections or experiences do you bring to your interpretation of Dvořák’s Cello Concerto?
“My two most memorable experiences with Dvořák’s Cello Concerto were hearing it for the first time live performed by Mstislav Rostropovich, and the other was playing it for the first time for one of the most outstanding cellists in history: Daniil Shafran. I first met Shafran at an event hosted by an organization known as New Names. He was an absolute legend, and considering he rarely taught, being able to take lessons with him was just an extraordinary opportunity that I will never forget.”
Why do you think this piece has garnered such popularity?
“Many Romantic composers avoided writing a concerto for cello as they believed that the increased size and strength of the orchestra would make the cello, due to its register, too difficult to be featured effectively. Dvořák hit the mark with his clever use of the cello as a solo instrument and accompanist. Upon being presented with the concerto, Brahms, a strong supporter and mentor of Dvořák, quipped, ‘Why didn’t I know that it was possible to write a cello concerto as good as this? If I’d known, I’d have written one a long time ago!’”
For those who haven’t been to a Symphony performance, why should they attend this season?
“Music is good for your soul. Good music is even better!”
Besides this program, what are you most looking forward to performing in this special 75th Anniversary Season?
“I look forward to every concert, just like I look forward to every day of life. It is all as fantastic as each new day, with the joys, sorrows, surprises and expectations that come with it.”
