Ivan Fischer mourns a great Bartokian

The conductor writes:

The great violinist, György Pauk died today. This is a terrible loss to all musicians, music lovers. I send my deepest condolences to Zsuzsi, his wife and to all family members, friends, students.

Whenever I conduct Bartók’s violin concertos, in my mind I always hear him play the solo part. He was by far the best, who understood and radiated these works like nobody else. He was a passionate musician with an excellent ear, unmistakable taste and great virtuosity. The violin wasn’t his instrument, it was an extension of his huge heart.

When he was 8, the Nazis took his mother from his side. Gyuri has never seen her again and often told me that he couldn’t remember her at all. He managed to survive being an orphan (his father was killed,too) by wiping out his memory.

He was a great lover of Mozarts operas. When I had the privilage to conduct his final concert, we performed soave sia il vento from Cosi fan tutte as a gift to him, wishing him a peaceful transition to his retired life.

Now, at this last transition, I send my dearest Gyuri the same music, his favourite: rest in peace.

Ariane Todes shares Pauk’s violin tips here.