STYLE

Jednou z hvězd, kterou Janáčkova filharmonie Ostrava v poslední době doprovázela, byla i Lisa Batiashvili. Foto: Ivan Korč

Lisa Batiashvili was one of the stars who the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra accompanied recently. Photo: Ivan Korč

Classical Music Is Certainly Neither Difficult and Old, Nor Boring Did you know that the Ostrava Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1954, has been officially called the Janáček Philharmonic Ostrava since 12 October 1971? That the orchestra, when founded, had only 36 members? By the way, today’s number is approaching one hundred. These are some of the interesting details from the life of the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra, which annually performs dozens of attractive concerts with outstanding soloists and conductors. From 2012, Mgr. Jan Žemla has been responsible for their composition.

What do you consider the most important factor to enjoy a fully-fledged experience when listening to music? First of all, it is important to have an open mind and overcome the belief that classical music is difficult, old and boring. Initial motivation and an intuitive approach are perhaps crucial. If a composition catches your attention, you are automatically interested in its story, its author, etc. One of the first pieces that bewitched me personally was Piano Concerto No. 3 by Sergey Rachmaninov, its tremendous technical difficulty exceeding the limits of understanding. The concert was an important part of the movie “Shine“, and the visual experience was also crucial for me at that time. I started to ask, “Is it possible at all for someone to compose music like this?” Was Rachmaninov really such a phenomenal pianist? How did he play? Are his other pieces also so interesting and difficult?“ And trying to find out more and more gets you trapped. It does not mean that you have to leave the world of your favourite popular music, which

can also be great. Classical music, however, gives you a better insight and makes it easier to distinguish quality from trash. I myself like several rock bands too, some bordering on heavy metal. Classical music is currently not exactly considered mainstream. Why do you think it is? I guess I would say that generally speaking the things of the highest quality are rarely part of mainstream. The difference with classical music is that it is a kind of accessible luxury. If you fall for this kind of music, I think there is no way back. It becomes a lifelong passion, your life gets another dimension. Classical music is also very unconventional. So if you want to be different, then listen and try to understand it. Text: Janáčkova filharmonie Ostrava

POSITIV 2017/2018

|

53