INTERVIEW/ ELDAR NEBOLSIN

A Classical Pianist Explains His Faith

Eldar Nebolsin of Uzbekistan is an internationally acclaimed pianist. He has played as a soloist with orchestras in London, Moscow, St. Petersburg, New York, Paris, Rome, Sydneyt, Tokyo, and Vienna.  Eldar grew up in the Soviet Union as an atheist. But later he concluded that humans are the work of a loving Creator. Awake! asked him about his music and his faith.

How did you become a musician? 

My parents are both pianists. They began teaching me when I was five years old. Later, I studied at the advanced school of music in Tashkent.

Tell us about the challenges of playing with an orchestra.  

No two orchestras are alike. They are like giant musical instruments that are "played" by their conductors. Perhaps the main challenge for the soloists  is to achieve balanced interaction with the conductor. it's like a conversation between friends-rather than one always taking the lead, each should yield to the other. Usually, you have only one or two rehearsals in which to develop this rapport.

How much time do you spend practicing? 

At least three hours a day-and that isn't just to practice difficult passages. I also study the structure of the piece I'm preparing-without actually playing it.   Another thing I do is listen to the composer's other works, which give me more insight into the present piece.

What would you say distinguishes a fine pianist? 

His ability to make a piano "sing." Let me explain.  The piano is a kind of percussion instrument. After a note is struck, the sound can only decrease in volume-unlike that of wind instruments or the human voice, which can hold a note or even increase its volume. The challenge for pianists is to overcome the tendency of a note to fade.  they do this by subtle movement of their fingers and wrists, along with the complex timbre.  When pianists  master these difficult techniques, they can make the piano sound like flute, a horn or even an orchestra. They also make it resemble the finest musical instrument of all-the human voice.

It's obvious that you have a deep love for music. 

For me, music is the language that most directly expresses and evokes feelings that are difficult, if not impossible, to communicate in words.

Next time:  Conclusion of  INTERVIEW/ELDAR NEBOSIN

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