High Life

HIGH LIFE #10 Jul 2017 111 “I became captivated by the cello after attending a concert at the age of four,” he recalls, “and started learning it in earnest at the age of eight.” One of the larger instruments in the string family, the cello would appear rather unwieldy for a child to handle, even for an adult to carry around. “The cello with its case weighs about 9kg,” explains Klug. “It is sometimes a hassle to carry it around, but I am rewarded with its wonderful sound. Of all musical instruments, the cello’s sound resembles the human voice the most.” Contrary to the archetypal piano soloists, cellists often come across as more collaborative than competitive and indeed the instrument they play rarely stands on its own, apart from perhaps one notable example that is the Unaccompanied Cello Suites, BWV 1007-1012 by Johann Sebastian Bach. As a musician, performing solo in a chamber set or as an orchestra must entail different challenges? “These are specific setups with particular characteristics – proficiency in one does not guarantee excellence in another,” Klug answers. “For instance, whereas solo calls for impeccable techniques and certain personal bravura, one needs to play together as a team in an orchestral setting; everyone playing their hearts out as individuals would result in mayhem. Playing in a chamber set is perhaps somewhere in between the aforementioned, in thatwithout a conductor, themusicians need to establish some tacit understanding amongst themselves.” Speaking of the conductor, Klug is crystal clear on the importance of the role. “Musicians may read, interpret and perform the same piece of music in various ways,” he offers, “the maestro is there to interpret the musical composition, explain his vision and bring all the musicians to play in unison. With a first- class conductor at the podium, musicians are naturally eager to learn and impress.” Macau in the early 21st century is a city endeavoring to become a world-class leisure and tourism destination, yet its namesake orchestra does not yet have a “home turf.” Seasoned fans of classical music understand the importance of a purpose-built concert hall, but few could explain the multiple benefits it will bring as succinctly as Klug.