There are those pianists who play music and there are those who cast a spell. It’s not about playing a composer’s notes, it’s about a deeper understanding and interpretation of the composer and what he is trying to say. And it doesn’t take too long to recognise a master.
Joseph Banowetz, a renowned pianist performed in the City recently. Performing as a part of the Bangalore School of Music’s concert series, he managed to treat Bangalore’s music lovers to an enchanting evening. Metrolife caught up with this maestro and found out about his career and his passion for music.
This American pianist has been nominated for a Grammy award this year for his latest record ‘Mily Balakirev’ and Russian folksongs - Grand Fantasia. He started the concert at Alliance Francaise with a short composition from Bach. Banowetz went on to play compositions by other legends during the course of the evening. While his skill was impeccable, Banowetz also managed to keep the interest of the audience alive with interesting anecdotes about each composer and the composition he was about to play. Combined with his sense of humour, he managed to enthrall the audience with his knowledge on each composer.
Beethoven’s lively ‘32 variations in C Minor’ and Liszt’s love songs formed the part of the programme. Banowetz not only played well-known compositions but decided to play compositions that are lesser known but very interesting like Liszt’s ‘Hungarian Rhapsody No. 3’ with its gypsy-like quality. Schubert’s ‘Sonata in A minor, Opus 143’ with its haunting tune which Banowetz aptly described as: “It feels like death is stalking you when you listen to this piece”.
Banowetz started playing the piano when he was seven-and-a-half-year old. Says Banowetz, “My family was in Kansas at that time and my school took me to an Arthur Rubinstein concert. I loved it and realised that I wanted to play the piano as well. So I asked my parents to get me one as soon as I got home!” Banowetz has played in over 30 countries with some of the best orchestras in the world. And does he have a favourite audience? “Well, not really. I don’t think the audience in one country is better than the other. As long as it is a reasonably intelligent audience I am glad. I am happy to see that the Indian audience is very sophisticated.”
Banowetz is also a published author. His book ‘The pianist’s Guide to Pedalling’ has received many positive reviews. And what does he consider his greatest achievement? “Well, having gotten through this concert! (laughs). Well, on a serious note, a lot of work has gone into some of my recordings and my book so I am proud of them.” With over 30 CDs released, one book, two grammy nominations and many concert tours, it looks like this pianist’s passion for music knows no bounds.
