It might seem quite peculiar for a Russian pianist to specialize in Bach when indigenous powerhouses such as Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and Prokofiev rule the classical music scene.

But to Vladimir Feltsman, it was natural. “Yes, Tchaikovsky is a great composer. But it was Bach that led me to music and sustained me all the way to here,” he said in his interview with The Korea Herald on Friday, a day before his “Sejong Soloists with Vladimir Feltsman,” held at Goyang Aramnuri. 

“Those who do not know Bach could say his music is stiff but if you just listen to it there are all elements to enjoy, which is the basis of all music. To me he is everything about music,” he added.

Feltsman and the string ensemble featured Bach’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in D major and No. 7 in G minor. The pianist, who had released more than seven series of recordings on Bach, which garnered him the moniker of “Bach Specialist,” has skillfully and successfully led the team to deliver the grand yet softer flank of Bach. He even held a signing event for the fans, which included children. “It was a very satisfying show. The music hall was great and our performance was very good. What more can I ask for?” he said after the performance.

“I loved the fact that much of the Korean audience were young, even children. They really welcomed me: One of them gave me tangerines and another gave me a hat after the concert. I wish to be with them more in the future.”

As much as his lavishing music career, Feltsman’s personal story of defecting from the Soviet Union in 1987 to seek for artistic freedom has drawn much attention: After being banned from any public activities for eight years when he sought for migration in 1979, internationally acclaimed artists such as Daniel Barenboim stood out for help which finally granted his migration from the communist state.

“Let bygones be bygones. It has been long since I have moved and I am enjoying my life with my wife (Korean-American Haewon Feltsman) right now. All I am hoping for now is to complete the release of my recordings scheduled in a couple of years and enjoy my quiet life,” he said with a smile.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)