I just watched a funny interview on the BBC news. Classical violinist David Garrett must have a pretty good PR person working for him, because I think this was the first time that I've seen a musician play in the studio, on the news. Plus - I hadn't heard of him until today, and the the story that got him there was that he fell down a flight of stairs onto his priceless Stradivarius violin, that actually cost him $1,000,000, and now the repair bill will be for around £60,000.
He was also able to get a plug in for his upcoming album, 'Virtuoso', which is released in March, and that he's currently on tour. Pretty clever stuff - all because of his fall, a cracked Stradivarious and of course, the fact that he's an incredible performer. I'm sure he'll gain many new fans from this, including me.
The BBC interview was funny because the female news reader was all in a tither as David played his violin, and the other news reader, a man, was making fun of her. She had noted Garrett was once a model (to supplement his student income) and that people call him the David Beckham of the violin...which is a bit silly. He is very nice looking though - and he plays a great violin! The violin that he was playing in the studio was another Stradivarius that was brought over from Milan so that he can continue his tour. Hopefully he'll keep that one intact.
David Garrett has been playing the violin since a very young age, and was known as a child prodigy.
His new album, 'Virtuoso' is set for release March 2008.
'Virtuoso' track listings:
1. La Califfa
2. Carmen Fantasie
3. Nothing Else Matters
4. Csardas - Gypsy Dance
5. Duelling Banjos
6. Pachelbel's Canon
7. Paganini Rhapsody
8. Somewhere (West Side Story)
9. The Flight of the Bumble Bee
10. Serenade
11. Toccata
12. You Raise Me Up
13. Eliza's Song
David Garrett - Virtuoso
For more information, go to:
David Garrett Official Website
By: Jenny May - BandWeblogs.com
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Well, it's obvious. David Garrett is trying to copy Nigel Kennedy. The record companies are worried about Nigel because he has got his own mind, and probably doesn't always automatically do what they would like him to do. Nigel, who is a brilliant musician, is also interested in other styles of music besides classical music, and invests time and energy in non profit-generating activities, for example his Polish jazz band.
But it is the classical music that brings in the big bucks, and the 'greed heads' have been getting worried. The industry people have clearly been hunting for a replacement 'golden goose' to sell to those fans who up until now have bought Nigel's tickets and records. The first non-classical 'influence' David mentions on his own website is, surprise, surprise, gasp, shock: JIMI HENDRIX!!! Wow what a coincidence - the very same rock guitarist and singer that Nigel is legendary for interpreting on the violin.
And so here he is, David Garratt. Let's hope Nigel's fans and followers are too smart to be taken in by this pathetic and transparent attempt to manipulate them and palm them off with a pale copy of the real genius, Nigel Kennedy. To David I would say; 'Forget it, mate. You're just not good enough'. One could almost feel sorry for the poor record companies, forced to acknowledge the unalterable truth that true geniuses are very seldom obedient, easily manipulated puppets, whose main priorities are to generate cash for themselves and their management, eg., Vincent Van Gogh, Mozart, Scott Joplin, Janis Joplin, etc.
The record industry think they have found their ideal new money-spinning puppet in David Garrett.
I can't believe that you would try to compare David with Nigel Kennedy! David is beautiful, classy, filled with joy and plays like an angel.
There is no comparison.
I agree. David has no comparison. He is a beautiful (litrally!!!) violinist.
Clearly Alien is a hater, David is the best and a wonderful violinist.
Why is there always someone who has some snarky remark? Music snobs annoy me. Snobs PERIOD annoy me.