BY STEPHANIE ESLAKE
Thinking big about your performance career? So did Bernd Glemser. Dreaming of a career as a concert pianist, he set out to explore the world through competitions until 1987. To say he won quite a few would literally be the understatement of the century – taking out 17 awards and prizes in a row, Bernd broke a world record set in 1890. Two years after his travels, the pianist became the youngest professor in Germany, delaying his own studies so he could teach others at university. Bernd chats with us about his incredible career ahead of tonight’s Tassie gig.
You became the youngest professor in Germany in 1989. tell me a bit about the experience of working your way up to achieving this position at such a young age.
During my studies, I was always concentrated on improving my piano playing. I didn’t think very much about the job I would get after having finished my studies. But I participated at several piano competitions so I got experience in performing in public. Of course, I hoped during these years to get concert engagements. So I played a concert in Saarbrücken in summer 1989. After this concert, two professors from the music university asked me if I was interested in becoming professor. First I hesitated, but finally I applied, made my concert and open teaching for the commission which had to decide, and got the post. So it happened really surprisingly and somehow by accident.
What was it like to teach people at such a high level when you were still learning things yourself?
When I got the professorship, I had to finish my studies because it is forbidden by law to be professor and student at the same time. But at the beginning it felt strange to teach students of the same age. Very soon it became normal and the students understood that I was able to help them and that they could make good progress if they did what I suggested. Of course, they had to practise hard in order to improve their pianistic and musical qualities and to get a bigger repertory.
You performed around the world, gaining a reputation and career which often takes many more years into adulthood to achieve. Do you feel that this was at the sacrifice of your childhood, and life experiences of your younger years?
I don’t think I had to sacrifice my childhood. In my memory, I had a very nice childhood including playing soccer, going skiing, etc.. The only thing was that sometimes the classmates didn’t understand I had no time because I wanted to play piano. Apart from this, you have to understand that classical music was not popular amongst the young people in the ’70s of the last century. But during the last two years at school, my classmates finally could appreciate my passion for the piano.
What advice would you give to other young pianists starting out in their careers?
My most important advice: young pianist have to work very hard in order to reach the highest level in piano playing – pianistically, musically, and intellectually. The second important advice is: be honest towards yourself and stay very critical of yourself. Don’t be satisfied too early.
Bernd Glemser will perform works by Haydn, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Chopin tonight in Hobart’s Federation Concert Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets available from https://www.tso.com.au/concerts/bernd-glemser/ .
Image supplied.
