If there is one word that conveys violinist Gil Shaham’s artistry and personality – it’s warmth. A meltingly beautiful warm tone from his violin, equally matched by his sweet disposition. Shaham joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to talk about his new recording on the Canary Classics label.
His new album is with conductor Eric Jacobson and the Brooklyn-based ensemble, The Knights. It features two warhorses – the violin concertos of Beethoven and Brahms.
Interview Highlights:
On finding the nerve to play Beethoven’s daunting concerto:
“Early on, I would shy away from performing the Beethoven violin concerto … We all feel so passionately about the Beethoven violin concerto … We’re all very opinionated,” said Shaham. “Then I discovered what so many other musicians, before and after me, had discovered — there’s really no greater joy than to play this music. What a revelation, what a treat, what a miracle of music. How lucky are we to have this?”
His personal philosophy of music:
