[On Stage] 'Trump Geohu' Violinist Tetzlaf "Trying to Convey Composer's Inner Self"

"Music Must Defend Freedom and Individuality"
Christian Tetzlaff Cancels U.S. Performances in Protest of Trump Administration

"Conscience-wise, I could not perform in the United States and pay taxes there. Because the U.S. is currently discarding the values of freedom and individuality that countless pieces of music speak about."

Christian Tetzlaff, a German violinist who is scheduled to hold a solo recital at the Seoul Arts Center on May 1, expressed strong opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump in a written interview with Asia Economy. Recently, he made headlines by canceling all 22 scheduled performances in the U.S. through April next year, judging that President Trump's policies contradict the values that music pursues.

"Musicians are not politicians, nor should they be. However, musicians must be able to empathize. I believe they should care for others and uphold the values of personal freedom and individuality."

Tetzlaff revealed that he proposed converting the U.S. concerts into benefit performances for human rights organizations, but all 22 concert organizers rejected the idea. Ultimately, he had no choice but to cancel the performances altogether.

Violinist Christian Tetzlaff [Photo provided by Mast Media, (c) Giorgia Bertazzi]

Tetzlaff is a renowned violinist who has served as a resident musician at world-class venues such as the Berlin Philharmonic, New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Carnegie Hall, and London Wigmore Hall. In 2019, he also had a special connection with Korea by serving as a resident musician with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. Although he swept several recording awards such as the 2017 Golden Diapason and the 2018 Gramophone Award in the concerto category, he does not have the typical competition-winning background often seen in the careers of world-class performers.

He said, "In competitions, usually the person with the best technique wins, but being technically excellent does not necessarily make one a great musician. I do not think competitions are the best way to identify important musicians." On the other hand, regarding recording awards, he explained, "They often focus more on the music itself rather than the performer's social media activity, appearance, or performance. Recording awards are meaningful because they evaluate the music itself."

Tetzlaff said that when performing, he deeply immerses himself in the music and tries to convey the composer's inner world. "The conviction about the piece I am playing, the desire to communicate the composer's inner self to the audience, and the overwhelming joy I feel while performing are the driving forces that push me forward and the reasons audiences come to my concerts. Thanks to these elements, I have been able to gain many opportunities even without competition awards."

At this solo recital at the Seoul Arts Center, he will perform one piece each by Johannes Brahms (1833?1897), Josef Suk (1874?1935), C?sar Franck (1822?1890), and Karol Szymanowski (1882?1937). All are composers active in the late 19th century.

Tetzlaff said, "Although these pieces were composed around the same time, I like to perform works that contrast with each other. The four pieces I will play were composed within just 20 to 25 years, but each has a completely different musical world."

He emphasized, "Brahms's violin sonata reveals an unexpectedly rough and gloomy side of Brahms, who is generally perceived as a composer with a romantic soul, whereas Franck's sonata, composed as a wedding gift for violinist Eug?ne Ysa?e, is bright and beautiful music. Despite being composed around the same time, the two works form a stark contrast." He added, "Franck's and Szymanowski's pieces are heavily influenced by French music, while Brahms and Suk follow the German tradition, especially Suk, who was greatly influenced by Brahms."