Anne-Sophie Mutter: I’m taking off half a year
OrchestrasThe German violinist reflects on resilience and renewal in an interview with Handelsblatt:
‘I always have to free myself from the hamster wheel. For example, I won’t be performing for a few months towards the end of this year. I want to re-evaluate how I want to go into the future as a musician. During this break I will hopefully improve my archery skills and deepen meditation as an integral focus of my life….
‘ My life hasn’t always been easy. I, too, went through deep valleys of tears and had to overcome human and artistic crises. Such crises are part of life. The question is whether you will ultimately grow as a result.
‘My 60th birthday was more associated with gratitude that I was still alive, because the father of my children died of lung cancer shortly after his 60th birthday. The memory of that lies very heavy on me. But I still have the chance to do something sensible with my life.’
More here.
Every best wish on your journey
Much sympathy. Her extraordinary talent was the prime focus of the musical world, but she is, first and foremost, a human being and those needs must be addressed.
All good wishes to her.
Life is short. You should follow your instincts. Thank you for the music
i cannot blame her.
all the travel ,
Sounds like a smart cookie to me, making the right decisions for herself, which will redound to the benefit of all us who love her artistry.
“…deepen meditation as an integral focus of my life”…with Yoda as role model!
Being a great musician does not protect from life’s vagaries, but surely her artistry will be of great support for this impressive musician, as her work is for everybody else with ears.
I don’t understand that they put famous players in hamster wheels!
Sally
They did Charlotte Church.
They step onto the wheel willingly. No one can force you to run around in circles.
As an admirer of her artistry for several decades now, I believe that, musically speaking, she has already done plenty of “sensible” with her life (marrying Sir Andre notwithstanding).
“the father of my children died of lung cancer shortly after his 60th birthday…” That was her first husband in 1993, he was 28 years her senior. She then married Andre Previn (even older!)
Perhaps a psychologist can elucidate her interesting choice of maters!
As for her taking some time off – go see the U.S. national parks (but not on weekends).
Watching and listening to Anne Sophie with the NZSO in the Auckland Town Hall last November 18 was a thrill of a lifetime. Her energy, passion, musicality and engagement with both the orchestra and audience was something to behold. I caught sight of Anne Sophie at the stage door after her concert and marvelled at her ability to valiantly engage with her many admirers but I wanted to shout out; ‘Oh, c’mon people. Give her a break!’ I was thrilled to hear, on the grapevine, that she managed to spend time in the New Zealand bush on her brief, 1st ever visit to New Zealand in her 60th year, and would like to return one day. We would love for you to return, even without your violin, and ‘get lost’ in New Zealand. Ka kite anō. Arohanui.
She remains stunning as always. If a sabbatical helps more power to her.
Well, dear Anne-Sophie, according to the UN report, 487 children were killed by both sides in one year of war in Ukraine. And about 600 were killed in the 1st week of fighting in Gaza. Please note, that I am a big fan of your talent and this is just something to think about.
“””My life hasn’t always been easy.”””
A genuine artist’s life always suffers.That is what makes him-her artist..
Beethoven..Mozart…and so on.
I wish you well in your time spent relaxing (hopefully), to restore and refine.
I get great pleasure from hearing your superb playing.
God’s blessing. Anne.
The sound of the violin touches the very depths of my soul. As I received tuition when eleven, but it was interrupted, until many years later. To my regret.
Michael.
May you go well.