The idea of playing music from the past is an relatively new (in the last century and half) phenomenon. Before that, pieces would only be played at best for a few months before the performers and audiences moved onto the next thing. Now, with the backwards looking aspect of Classical Music, we have a declining and aging audience base that was further exacerbated by the focus in the past to pitch itself as an elite art form instead of reembracing its roots as a living art form.
There have been many ways to try and address this, ranging from the sex sells approaches to various better attempts. To be honest, I don't know what will succeed whilst keeping integrity intact. The largest problem these days is that audiences don't know the difference between a lemon and a jewel, as the appreciation of music now (not just classical music) has become a matter of marketing and looks rather than substance...
As for your last question, I tend to (hopefully) occupy the more inventive end of given free reign! I find that a focus on avoiding mistakes is a sure fire way to get overwhelmed with doubt and stage fright! You can't please the whole audience, so it is best to play in a way that pleases and engages yourself!
sir bengy! oh how interesting..so concerts from past music masters is a new idea, relatively speaking. Well I wish there was a way to increase people's interest in classical music but if there was an effective way you'd know about it.
So you just go out there and give it your all without worrying about making a mistake! that's the best way to do it I'm sure. I like your approach!
Mistakes will come, we are human... But if the performance is interesting and engaging, the audience tends to forgive better than if it was boring and bland!
howdy back sir bengy! ha! yes sir if the audience would even be able to tell if it was a mistake or not! Right? Probably it wouldn't be obvious enough for a layman to even catch. That's my guess anyway.
But when is your next tour?
I stay near for the next week, but then I pack and go to Germany and then Russia. Looking forward to Russia, I've never been there! Only a few nights in Moscow though...
sir bengy! oh my gosh what an amazing life..if you enjoy traveling all over the world that is! lol. do you ever get tired of all the traveling? and how long do you keep doing this, until you retire?
It sounds more glamorous than it actually is! Often it is more seeing concert halls and hotel rooms and not having enough sleep!
On the other hand, I can't complain, it is an interesting life! Some people do it still at 70! I think I would want to stop running around a fair bit before then! I dislike travelling, I love being at home!
hahaha! oh my gosh sir bengy! you don't like to travel?? ha! wow that's a bombshell right there! well then you'll probably retire as soon as possible but then you would sincerely miss the concerts wouldn't you? Do they have many concerts locally?
Do you have a back up plan if you get sick of traveling? maybe make and sell beef jerky? lol. Maybe become a private violin teacher?