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Andreas Ottensamer interview

アンドレアス・オッテンザマー インタビュー

Interview/Text: Yasushi Tanaka Photo: Masamasa Nishino

There are too many words to praise Andreas Ottensamer, principal clarinetist of the Berlin Philharmonic, such as ``Heaven gave me two gifts'' and ``A thoroughbred in the classical world.'' However, looking at her gorgeous profile, one can't help but be convinced that she is 25 years old. What exactly are young people with limitless potential thinking and what are they aiming for?

My favorite food is sushi

- How many times will you come to Japan this time?

I've been to Japan so many times that I don't know exactly. Probably around 12 or 13 times.

- Does that include not only being a musician, but also the fact that you were taken on concert tours by your father when you were a child?

No, these are all the times I've played since I became a performer.

- That's amazing. Did you ever accompany your father on his concert tours?

Of course, I have come to Japan with my father, and I have also come to Japan with the Clarinots, a group made up of my father and older brother.

- I see, I heard "Clarinots" at Hakuju Hall the last time I came to Japan. It was a fun stage. By the way, what is your impression of Japan?

That's excellent. It is a very happy country, especially for classical players. All the halls are great, and the audience is great too. If I may add, the food is also great (lol).

Andreas Ottensamer

- What is your favorite Japanese food?

I love sushi.

Why did you choose the clarinet?

- I see, sushi is very popular among musicians. Well, you've been surrounded by music since you were a child, so why did you first learn the piano, then the cello, and then move on to the clarinet? Was there some kind of musical plan?

There is no planning at all. I started playing the piano because I thought I would try my hand at it, and I started playing the cello for a similar reason. I started playing instruments just like children would go to an amusement park and play with toys.

- I see, the first piano is common, but do you have any idea why you chose the cello after that, and finally the clarinet? Is it something like a preference for musical instruments?

In the first place, my family played cello and clarinet, so it may have been that all three instruments, including the piano, were in the living room. It's like having a cello next to the piano and a clarinet above the piano.

- That's a natural situation. Anyway, it's amazing that three members of the family are playing the clarinet at the top of the world.

That's a surprise to me as well. I think it's a bit of a risk that all three of us are playing the same instrument, but it's going really well. What's more, it's wonderful and lucky that the three of us can plan concerts using the same instruments.

- By the way, wind bands are very popular in Japan, and one theory says that about 1 in 40 people has played a wind band. Therefore, there are many people who play the clarinet. How about Austria?

Unfortunately, in my country, Austria, brass bands are not that popular. I think Japan is wonderful in that sense as well. I think it's good for children to be able to experience music and play instruments at school from a young age. If you want to play music in my country, you have to go to the appropriate school and study music carefully.

- Apparently, Japan is the only country in the world that provides music education to all children.

That is wonderful. I think it's because of that kind of education that we can develop a great audience. On the contrary, I have to be grateful for that (lol)

- I see, Japan is probably the only country where almost all of its citizens have experience playing recorders (lol), but despite that, it's hard to find talented wind instrument players.

Music education and whether there are many or few performers probably have nothing to do with each other. Regardless of whether the base is wide or narrow, I believe that there will always be a handful of people who will rise to the top. Also, music education is different from training soloists. I think the overall purpose is to get familiar with music. What's more, it has been proven that learning music causes the brain to work differently.

- In terms of education, why did you choose Harvard University in the United States rather than a music school?

At Harvard, I didn't have to decide what to major in. I chose it because it was a system where you could decide on your major later while you were enrolled there.

- What did you study at Harvard?

It's all about general education other than music. I don't think what I learned there has influenced my career, but I think it has had a big influence on my personality.

- In addition to music, you are also good at soccer and tennis. Did you come from a family where you were free to do anything?

of course. My parents supported me in whatever I wanted to do. And it wasn't just one option; there were many options.

Because the Berlin Philharmonic is the best orchestra in the world.

- Speaking of choices, I think you could have probably chosen any orchestra, but why did you choose the Berlin Philharmonic?

That's because the Berlin Philharmonic is the world's best orchestra. What I like most about the Berlin Philharmonic is that the environment allows me the freedom to engage in other activities as well as the orchestra. For example, solo activities like this one.

- Is that difficult with other orchestras?

I agree. This would be quite difficult with other orchestras. I think it's a question of the absolute amount of work.

- What is your view on the Vienna Philharmonic, where your father and brother are members?

"Amazing! (in Japanese)"

- I see, that's right. So, what do you think is the difference between the Berlin Philharmonic and the Vienna Philharmonic?

That's all different. Of course the members are different, but the traditions are also different, and the way we approach songs is also different. The Berlin Philharmonic is a pure symphony orchestra, but the Vienna Philharmonic also performs operas at the Vienna State Opera in addition to symphonies. The Vienna Philharmonic has a tradition of requiring its members to be able to perform in a Viennese style. Therefore, when choosing members, you have to choose from a small selection of members. The Berlin Philharmonic, on the other hand, has a large selection of spots to choose from. This means we can bring together the best players of each instrument from around the world. After joining the orchestra, you will gradually become accustomed to the orchestra.

Andreas Ottensamer

- I see. In that sense, is there a difference in the instruments between the Vienna Philharmonic and the Berlin Philharmonic? For example, how about a clarinet?

There is a difference. I play with the Berlin Philharmonic, and I use the same Viennese-style clarinet as my father and brother. My colleague Fuchs also uses a Viennese-style clarinet.

- By the way, do you have any desire to play with the Vienna Philharmonic?

No, I'm perfectly happy where I am now (lol)

- That's right (lol) Anyway, I don't think it's normal for a father and son to play the same instrument in two of the world's best orchestras. Moreover, unlike stringed instruments, the clarinet has fewer players, so it's even more so. Is there any secret to becoming good at the clarinet? What would you like to share with the children learning the clarinet in Japan?

There's so much to say about it that I feel like I have no choice but to write a book about it. Because I think it's difficult to give just one hint. I think you need regular practice first. At the same time, it is important to have fun. And you will have prospects, prospects, and hopes for the future.

Boss is Stefan Doll

- I see, thank you very much. I will tell this to the children of Japan. Now, one of the various activities other than the orchestra is Ensemble Vienna-Berlin, which is scheduled to come to Japan in July of this year. This is a very famous and traditional ensemble, have you listened to it since you were a child?

Actually, I didn't know much about it. Of course I knew the name, but I didn't have much experience of actually hearing him perform. This ensemble is a dream come true for wind instrument players, so I feel very honored to be a part of it and to be able to perform myself.

- Ensemble Wien-Berlin underwent a major change in members on its 30th anniversary, but what kind of changes do you think have occurred as a result of this?

To begin with, each member has a very strong individuality, so if the members change, the ensemble itself will also change drastically. However, the traditions that have been cultivated over a long period of time have been firmly passed down to us, the new members. Of course, I'm still in contact with former members.

- By the way, how are the members selected?

Hmm, I don't really understand that.
- How did you get into Ottensamer?

In my case, one day I got a phone call out of the blue, and I was like, ``What are you doing? Are you coming?'' I said, ``Oh, okay, I'll go.'' (laughs)

- Who was on the other end of the phone?

My new boss is Stefan Doll (principal horn player of the Berlin Philharmonic). He's the new boss of the ensemble. I think the framework for selecting members was very small this time as well. After all, there is only one choice: the Vienna Philharmonic or the Berlin Philharmonic. I don't think there were that many options.
- By the way, how did you feel about being chosen out of so many wonderful people?

That's a great honor. It's an honor to be able to perform with such wonderful members, and I'm looking forward to trying out different repertoires.

- That's wonderful. You have an attractive program planned for your concert in Japan in July, but how do you decide on the songs? Is it up to the boss Stefan Doll to decide? (lol)

The theme is obvious. The theme is "summer", which is the time of arrival in Japan. Some songs are famous, but there are also songs that are not so well known. It also includes arrangements of orchestral pieces, which I'm really looking forward to.

- How many performances does this ensemble perform each year?

This is a balance with my orchestra activities, so we don't get together very often. Therefore, it is difficult to say exactly how many times a year. That is the most difficult part.

First-ever exclusive contract with a prestigious label

- I see, I'm happy because I will be able to experience this valuable opportunity in July. It is also amazing that we have signed an exclusive contract with Deutsche Grammophon, the world's best classical music label. This is apparently the first clarinet player to accomplish this feat.

It's an incredible story. My repertoire is completely new to this label, so it makes sense for me to continue to develop it. It's a great opportunity to receive such a great offer so early in my career, and I think it's also great to be able to share music with audiences other than concerts.

- Well, I think recording is like a business card for musicians. I think it is very important to have as many people as possible hear our performances and get our name known. In that sense, I feel like I'm starting a truly wonderful career.

thank you. What's really interesting is that when you compare live performance and recording, live performance is something that grows with you. On the other hand, recording is about preserving that moment. That's an interesting difference.

- You have already released two albums, ``Portraits'' and ``Brahms: Hungarian Connection.'' Are you satisfied with them?

Yes, I'm completely satisfied. Of course, I think I would play something completely different from these recordings now, but that doesn't mean I'm denying these performances myself.

- I especially found the first album ``Portraits'' very interesting to listen to, with programming that traces the history of Ottensamer's musical instruments.

thank you. I think everyone records the first album to introduce themselves, but I wanted people to get to know me in a way that was completely different from what everyone else had done. .

- That idea is wonderful. As journalists, we also think about how to introduce the albums we receive, but it's difficult when they're just collections of famous songs. However, when you have a solid plot and plan like this album, it's very easy to convey to people.

Hmm...

- Since you are still young, I think your future musical possibilities are endless. What do you want to do after this?

I think there are many things you can do as a musician. Most recently, I just started a festival in Switzerland with the pianist Jose Gallardo, who I'm touring with this time. Chamber music has always been close to me. I also believe that it is important for me to maintain a good balance between orchestral activities, solo activities, and ensemble activities.

Andreas Ottensamer

- In addition to music, you are also active as a model.

Yes, I'm not that active.
- I think just hearing something like that is a very bright topic for the classical music industry. Is there anything else you would like to try other than music?

I'm already doing a lot of things other than music (lol) Music isn't everything to me.

Good sound comes from training through sports!

- I see, what are you most interested in right now?
It's a sport after all. Also, maybe meeting up with friends or thinking of different plans. Well, I recently renovated the apartment I live in, and it took a really long time. That part is probably a part of their lives no different from other people's lives.

- That apartment is in Berlin, right? How is life in Berlin?

It is amazing. There's a lot going on here, and it's a lively city. There are also many parties.

-Which is your favorite sport, tennis or soccer?

It's not that I like one or the other, I love both and continue to do so. I've also added golf, skiing, and swimming (lol). To begin with, I am very bad at making decisions and choosing.

- I see. Since you're a wind instrument player, you must have a well-trained body through sports to produce good sounds.

That's exactly right.

- Speaking of sports, there is a lot of excitement in Japan about tennis player Kei Nishikori, do you know that?

of course! This time, he held a concert in his hometown of Matsue.

- I see, then please bring him into the world of classical music. I'm sure something interesting will happen.

I'll be happy to do it! Please arrange. I've played with his coach, Michael Chang.

- that's great! It would be great if we could have a relationship where I was able to teach Nishikori the clarinet while also being taught tennis.

It sounds good. I really want to make it happen.

- The possibilities are truly endless. I'm looking forward to seeing how he expands as a person in the future. I wish you the best.

Thank you.

After the interview, their hands were very big and strong when they shook hands. It's no wonder that this young man, who has the toned body of an athlete and gentle gaze, is also attracting attention as a model. What kind of brilliance will this talent, who is still in the process of evolving, shine when he comes to Japan for the "Ensemble Vienna-Berlin" performance in July? My interest is endless.

▼“Ensemble Vienna-Berlin” performance information
Date and time: Sunday, July 5, 2015
Venue: Kanagawa Prefectural Concert Hall 2:00 p.m.
Tickets will be pre-sold on KAme on Saturday, March 7th, and general sale will be on Saturday, March 13th.
*An interview with Ensemble Wien-Berlin leader Stefan Doll is published in ANAGAWA ARTS PRESS .

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