[ ClassicalX ] Music is my life

Described by the BBC’s Music Magazine as, 'the stuff of legend - in him is enshrined an entire corpus of virtuoso violin art, expounded with a fearsome beauty beyond comprehension,' David Garrett is one of the most celebrated violinists touring the globe today.

A pupil of Itzak Perlman, David plays to packed concert halls all over the world, features in international TV galas and was launched as an international recording artist in 2008 by Universal International/Decca, the home of classical stars Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli.

Launched in Germany at the end of 2007 his album, ‘Virtuoso’, has already sold fifty thousand copies, topping the classical chart sand also reaching the Top 20 in the pop charts. With a string of major TV appearances and nationwide tours to come, the album will have sold 100,000 by the end of 2008 with the second album due to be launched in the autumn. Mr Garrett has also been launched by Universal in South East Asia where he reached number 3 in the local charts alongside worldwide superstars, Avril Lavigne and Mika. David’s UK launch was in March 2008. He has already played six concerts at The Royal Albert Hall, as well as appearing as a special guest on Jools Holland’s UK tour.
First concert in Dubai Brought to Dubai for a one off concert in celebration of the opening of Montegrappa, Italy’s oldest and finest pen makers at Wafi, David gave City Times an insight into his world of touring many different countries and bringing classical music to a new audience.

“This is my first time playing here,” David told us.

“It’s a short stay because I have to get back to New York to finish recording my album but it’s great to be here in Dubai.” David began playing the violin at the age of four and has never looked back. “I loved playing so much when I was young that I decided never to stop.

For me though it is not about success or the amount of records you sell.

My main aim is to open doors for people who might not have grown up listening to classical music and hopefully get them interested.

That is what I have always wanted. I want to build a bridge for everyone to enjoy great music.” Unconventional profile One might agree that David does not fit the profile of a typical classical music artist we wondered why he has chosen to present himself this way. “Well I’ve never heard that before! I am being myself, which works. I am comfortable dressed in this way and whether people like it or not I will continue to do so. Younger people can identify with me which can draw them in to the music.

But I really don’t look this way to appeal to people, just because I am myself. I have always drawn inspiration from musicians who have stepped outside the box and tried to be a little unique and do their own thing.

People like Leonard Bernstein and Fritz Keisler are idols of mine. Fritz wrote music and that is something which is very admirable and is rare today.” ‘I love what I do’ David Garrett constantly travels the world with his music performing in many countries, sometimes with only the plane journey to rest. “I have always travelled so you get used to it. It is difficult sometimes but it is life.

I love what I do and this is part of it so I just get on with it. Music is my life and the more people I can get interested in classical music the better.”

Source: Khaleej Times Online