Auckland Philharmonia’s Francesca McGeorge spoke to cellist Johannes Moser ahead of his performance with the orchestra for our upcoming NZ Herald Premier Series concert Romantic Journeys.
Johannes, we are so excited to have you in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Can you share a bit about your process for learning a major solo work with orchestra?
Most of the pieces I’m currently touring with have been part of my repertoire since my student days, and over time, I’ve worked to refine them and reconsider many of my early interpretative choices. I aim to revisit these older pieces with a fresh perspective, bringing my present life experiences into each performance.
However, it becomes especially exciting with newly commissioned pieces that I’m learning for the first time, free from any prior interpretations. Approaching these works with a truly open mind is one reason I’m so passionate about contemporary music. It offers a unique platform to explore not only the composer’s vision but also my own current mindset, abilities, and musical philosophy. Each new piece is like a clear mirror, reflecting where I stand as an artist today.
Tell us, what draws you to Tchaikovsky’s music?
For me, Tchaikovsky is at his strongest in his operas and ballet scores. He is a master of drama, understanding theatre and the need for striking contrasts like no other. I also admire his exquisite writing for voice, with a dramatic range that spans from tender love songs to intense, sometimes harrowing emotions. His ability to transfer these qualities so naturally to the cello is a remarkable gift.
What memories does playing Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme bring up for you?
My most vivid memory is my participation in the 2002 Tchaikovsky Competition, which, as the name suggests, featured the Rococo Variations in the finals. It was during this time that I first encountered the original version, which has since become my preferred version and the one I’m currently performing. I also have strong memories of performing this piece with an orchestra for the first time shortly after my 18th birthday. It was a remarkable experience, though admittedly daunting. Looking back on the 30 years I’ve spent practising and performing this piece, I feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a wonderful companion through my early years of learning and throughout my career.
Is there a composer or work you haven’t performed, that you would like to?
Recently I have been deeply intrigued by the composer Kapustin. During the pandemic, I studied Prokofiev’s Sinfonia Concertante, though I haven’t yet had the opportunity to perform it. It’s been scheduled a few times, but life always intervened, and it hasn’t happened yet. In terms of contemporary composers, I feel very fortunate that those I’ve approached have generally been willing to collaborate with me, and the creative exchanges have been immensely fulfilling. I consider this collaborative process one of the most rewarding aspects of my profession. Being part of a wellspring of ideas and engaging with the diverse visions of different composers makes this career incredibly rich and enjoyable.
What are some of your favourite albums to listen to?
Beastie Boys Check your Head
Miles Davis Bitches Brew
Solti Conducts the Chicago Symphony Don Juan
Anything by Beethoven, any day.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to a young aspiring musician?
I would say, don’t focus only on what YOU want to achieve in your career; take time to connect with the community and understand THEIR needs as well. A musician’s career increasingly requires an ongoing dialogue with the community, as our roles have diversified and now cater to very specific needs, sometimes even niche interests, amidst significant shifts in the market. Covid has disrupted the art world and served as a long-overdue wake-up call. The ease with which artistic organizations were sidelined and deemed non-essential was deeply concerning. I envision an artistic community valued as highly as any essential public service, and achieving such a status requires open dialogue and a willingness to engage with the reality faced by our peers. So – connect with your audience and hear them out!
What are you looking forward to exploring while you are in New Zealand?
This time around there is almost no time, but I had a spectacular two weeks of vacation when I was here last. See pictures:
