Rupert, in a recent interview with Seesaw Mag (click to open) delved into the depths of his childhood and offered captivating insights.
The article discusses the career and artistic journey of violinist Rupert Guenther, who is known for his classical improvisation. Growing up in a creative environment surrounded by musicians and artists, Guenther developed a passion for the violin from a young age. After studying in Vienna and gaining experience in various genres and collaborations, he embarked on a path of classical improvisation, a field with few practitioners. His latest work, “New Letters to Esterhazy Sonata 1,” is an improvised composition named after the 18th-century court of Austro-Hungarian prince Nikolaus Esterhazy, paying homage to composer Franz Joseph Haydn.
The article also discusses Guenther’s upcoming national tour, where he will perform his compositions, including “New Letters to Esterhazy,” as well as three other works inspired by the traditional Japanese shakuhachi flute tradition, mystical music and poetry of 13th-century Persia and the Middle East, and the remote Kimberley region in Australia.
Guenther also talks about his collaboration with the WA Museum Boola Bardip, where he has created a series of concerts inspired by museum exhibits, including one focused on ancient Egyptian culture called “Music from Inside the Pyramids.” He emphasizes the importance of improvisation in classical music and mentions his efforts to teach this “lost art” to classical musicians worldwide.
Reflecting on his career and collaborations with notable artists, Guenther mentions the significance of how people treat others, highlighting the generosity and humility of musicians like Olivia Newton-John, Demis Roussos, and Sir George Martin. He also discusses the positive influence of his current environment in Toodyay, where he finds inspiration in nature and the reflective aspects of life, advocating for holistic living and meditation.
During his conversation with Preshil, he shared that having spent the majority of his school years and crucial formative period at Preshil in the vibrant decades of the 1960s and 1970s, he believed his experiences at Preshil to be foundational to his perspectives on life, education and art.
You might like to read more about Rupert and his creative work by visiting his website (click to open).
