Documentary

János Starker, A Lesson In Music

A portrait of the hungarian cellist and teacher János Starker

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János Starker — Cellist

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Underneath the apparent aloofness of the Hungarian cellist János Starker, lies a profound sensitivity to music and a warm generosity.

His elegance springs from his deep sense of rigour and asceticism. Both in teaching and in performance he is extremely mindful of every aspect of playing: the position of the body, breath, movement and sound... His devotion to teaching provides the key to his philosophy and vision of music.

"I know who I am, I know what I am doing. And what I am doing is not important in the self-assurance issue. I don't have to be reassured by somebody saying "you are great" or giving me prizes. I am only interested in doing something. This is for the sake of music and for the sake of musicians of the future. I am serving a cause. And I'm serving a cause for personal reasons, because the fact that I survived all the horrors that others didn't puts a duty on me. Devoir."

You will be able to hear in this documentary:

  • Bach, Suite No. 3 for Unaccompanied Cello in C Major, BWV 1009;
  • Kodaly, Sonata for Unaccompanied Cello, Op. 8;
  • Elgar, Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85;
  • Walton, Cello Concerto

A closer look: featured composers

Further listening: featured works

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