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Reading Shakespeare on cello
Cellist Matt Haimovitz wowed his audience at Sam Bond's this weekend
by Lindsay Funston | Pulse Editor
In a packed Sam Bond's Garage this weekend, a prodigy took the stage. Captivating the diverse crowd who awaited his performance, Matt Haimovitz arrived.
With the cello in his hand nearly reaching his own height, he began playing the dramatic, intricate instrument in the manner for which he has become so famous. He opened with one of his famous Bach renditions, keeping the music simple, fresh until delving into his new works.
"Everyday I hear different things, and the narrative of this evolves," Haimovitz said once he finished his introductory solos. "To have these words associated with music was a relief, actually, after spending years in the abstract."
At the Eugene hangout Friday night, Haimovitz explained the lyrical story behind his latest collaboration. Working with the compositions of three Pulitzer Prize-winning songwriters, Haimovitz produced "After Reading Shakespeare," a 21-track recording divided into nine movements, each representing a sonnet from one of William Shakespeare's written works.
Before beginning each solo, Haimovitz hinted to its thematic structure with Shakespearean quotes, suggestive with his tone of voice. Moments before he began the first movement, an adaptation from "King Lear," the cellist read, "Why should a dog, a horse, a rat have life, and thou no breath at all? Thou'lt come no more, never, never, never, never, never…"
As Haimovitz trailed off, he struck frantic, powerful chords to convey the tragedy's tenor. Haimovitz also read brief excerpts from "Othello," "Henry V" and "A Midsummer's Night Dream" before entering his solos.
Throughout the evening, it was not unusual for him to perfectly execute a 15-minute-long solo. Haimovitz employed his creative finesse throughout several pieces, meticulously alternating between using his bow and fingers with rigorous efforts.
The physical energy that Haimovitz exerts into his music is commanding; it practically surges from the cello chords. His music hurled the audience into feelings of high impact and serenity. He performed one 30-second passage so sharp that he had to stop, the intensity taking hold of him.
The audience applauded Haimovitz with more than one standing ovation, while most attendees sat awed by his presence. He was an expert of melody, a man of rhythmic existence.
Haimovitz emerged as a virtuoso while still breaking out of teenage adolescence. A master of the cello, he brought to classical music an understanding so intuitive that since his youth he has performed alongside international music legends. He has played with celebrated orchestras and pushed the limits as a cello artist, earning him the name 'cellist without borders.' It's not unusual for Haimovitz to hunt down hidden pockets like Sam Bond's on his tour, but that doesn't mean he hasn't performed at the most prestigious venues dotting the globe.
The American Music Center recognized Haimovitz's influence on the country's classical music scene in 2004, awarding him its Trailblazer Award.
For years to come, Haimovitz will continue to use his expressive harmony to electrify audiences, those crowded in a bar sipping seasonal ale to those seated in a world-distinguished concert hall.
lfunston@dailyemerald.com
With the cello in his hand nearly reaching his own height, he began playing the dramatic, intricate instrument in the manner for which he has become so famous. He opened with one of his famous Bach renditions, keeping the music simple, fresh until delving into his new works.
"Everyday I hear different things, and the narrative of this evolves," Haimovitz said once he finished his introductory solos. "To have these words associated with music was a relief, actually, after spending years in the abstract."
At the Eugene hangout Friday night, Haimovitz explained the lyrical story behind his latest collaboration. Working with the compositions of three Pulitzer Prize-winning songwriters, Haimovitz produced "After Reading Shakespeare," a 21-track recording divided into nine movements, each representing a sonnet from one of William Shakespeare's written works.
Before beginning each solo, Haimovitz hinted to its thematic structure with Shakespearean quotes, suggestive with his tone of voice. Moments before he began the first movement, an adaptation from "King Lear," the cellist read, "Why should a dog, a horse, a rat have life, and thou no breath at all? Thou'lt come no more, never, never, never, never, never…"
As Haimovitz trailed off, he struck frantic, powerful chords to convey the tragedy's tenor. Haimovitz also read brief excerpts from "Othello," "Henry V" and "A Midsummer's Night Dream" before entering his solos.
Throughout the evening, it was not unusual for him to perfectly execute a 15-minute-long solo. Haimovitz employed his creative finesse throughout several pieces, meticulously alternating between using his bow and fingers with rigorous efforts.
The physical energy that Haimovitz exerts into his music is commanding; it practically surges from the cello chords. His music hurled the audience into feelings of high impact and serenity. He performed one 30-second passage so sharp that he had to stop, the intensity taking hold of him.
The audience applauded Haimovitz with more than one standing ovation, while most attendees sat awed by his presence. He was an expert of melody, a man of rhythmic existence.
Haimovitz emerged as a virtuoso while still breaking out of teenage adolescence. A master of the cello, he brought to classical music an understanding so intuitive that since his youth he has performed alongside international music legends. He has played with celebrated orchestras and pushed the limits as a cello artist, earning him the name 'cellist without borders.' It's not unusual for Haimovitz to hunt down hidden pockets like Sam Bond's on his tour, but that doesn't mean he hasn't performed at the most prestigious venues dotting the globe.
The American Music Center recognized Haimovitz's influence on the country's classical music scene in 2004, awarding him its Trailblazer Award.
For years to come, Haimovitz will continue to use his expressive harmony to electrify audiences, those crowded in a bar sipping seasonal ale to those seated in a world-distinguished concert hall.
lfunston@dailyemerald.com
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