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David Garrett released his 15th album «Iconic» in November. In it he pays homage to his great musical idols.
Laszlo SchneiderEditor People
When SonntagsBlick meets the German miracle violinist David Garrett (42) in Zurich at lunchtime, he apologizes first. And asks if we mind if he orders something else to eat, because: “My stomach is really hanging in the hollows of my knees.” So that we don’t have to wait – and only if it doesn’t bother us – “we can talk and I’ll eat, right?”. There’s no faster way to break ice than club sandwiches with fries.
Mr. Garrett, you were considered a child prodigy. At the age of twelve you had your first record deal in your pocket. After that, you broke up with your parents, who put you under a lot of pressure – and your career broke. How did you get out of the low?
David Garrett: I actually initiated the kink myself. I could have played more concerts – but I didn’t feel comfortable in my own skin. As a child, I had to be on stage at all times. My hands were shaking and I was white as a sheet. At some point I couldn’t give myself any more answers as to why I was doing something. And that gets scary at some point!
He pauses for a moment, then gestures.
I didn’t know what the conductor was doing up front. And then I made the wise decision: Come on, I’m still studying, there’s still time. That helped. And: child prodigies are not better people when they grow up. On the contrary – this is a huge disadvantage. There’s nothing more sensational than a child prodigy. But after that it can only go downhill. You might do that for a while, but at some point you say to yourself: What’s the point of this crap? Now I focus on what is important.
David Garrett is considered one of the most famous violinists in the world.
Nathalie Taiana
Personal: David Garrett
David Garrett was born David Christian Bongartz in 1980. Garrett is his mother’s unmarried name – his parents made it his stage name when he was 9 years old. The violinist was celebrated as a child prodigy at an early age and received his first recording contract at the age of twelve. During his youth he was taught by world-famous violinists such as Itzhak Perlman (77). The German can now look back on more than 1600 appearances. In addition to classical works, Garrett also rearranges pop and rock pieces for violin.
David Garrett is considered one of the most famous violinists in the world.
Nathalie Taiana
David Garrett was born David Christian Bongartz in 1980. Garrett is his mother’s unmarried name – his parents made it his stage name when he was 9 years old. The violinist was celebrated as a child prodigy at an early age and received his first recording contract at the age of twelve. During his youth he was taught by world-famous violinists such as Itzhak Perlman (77). The German can now look back on more than 1600 appearances. In addition to classical works, Garrett also rearranges pop and rock pieces for violin.
For many parents it is particularly important that their child plays an instrument – almost more important than the child itself …
Before answering, Garrett takes a hearty sip from the coffee cup and takes a deep breath.
As a child, you want to play an instrument intuitively, which means you don’t think too much about it, you just play because you spontaneously feel like it. As a parent, you have to observe whether the election is a hasty decision – i.e. exciting one day and then no more. Or maybe there is really an interest in the instrument that comes from him, then as an adult you can certainly support that. I only know the situation from the child’s perspective.
You gave up being a child early and moved to New York alone. Could you develop better there?
Musically it doesn’t make any difference to me where in the world I am. And as far as the private sphere is concerned: In New York it is of course pleasant to sit down in a restaurant without being recognized immediately. It’s also nice to have a glass or two of wine and not have to worry about the person sitting next to you whispering: “Oh, man, Garrett is drinking a lot again today.” Being watched doesn’t bother me that much – rather being judged. And that unfortunately happens from a certain level of awareness.
And how do you deal with criticism?
Like praise – it doesn’t mean much to me. I set the bar for myself.
After 15 albums it must be pretty high. On your 15th album «Iconic» you pay homage to your role models from classical music. How did you feel when you heard this for the first time as a child?
It was a feeling of inspiration and humility. When I was younger, that perfection of the masters was something I was dying to achieve—like with elite athletes who make the almost impossible look easy. And you’re so fascinated by it that you don’t know how to get there, but you do everything to make it happen.
You did it. And that’s why you’ve played to celebrities like the recently deceased Queen. Encounters like this are sure to be remembered for all eternity.
I have to disappoint you there. The encounter was irrelevant. She had to be too. The briefing was clear: “Don’t address any political issues, please greet her in any way, hand behind your back, only your right hand, don’t squeeze your hand too hard…” You’re also not allowed to ask her any questions. It’s totally sobering!
The value of your new violin, which you bought for almost 3.5 million Swiss francs, is not so sobering. How do you care for this valuable instrument?
You don’t have to imagine this like a bonsai tree that you trim with nail scissors. Caring for my violin is relatively simple. To keep it very general: Make sure that the violin case is protected from large temperature differences. You need a dehumidifier, especially when the humidity is high – for example when you are traveling in South America. Of course I know how and where to hold the instrument and how to handle it.
And if there had never been a violin in your life – what would have become of you?
I didn’t have a plan B. I didn’t have the grade point average of my siblings because my focus was always on the music. But I have a very good, clear mind and am someone who can quickly adjust to things when something is unexpected. I might not have become a lawyer, but I would have found a job that I would have done well because I “know” about things.
David Garrett is playing four concerts in Switzerland this year: on March 27 in Basel, on April 7 and 8 in Interlaken and on April 9 in Lucerne.