Notes from a native son

In classical music circles, Prague has long had a reputation as "the conservatory of Europe" - a place that has trained many fine musicians, who more often than not don't stick around. Even native Czechs often find it more rewarding financially and artistically to develop a career abroad.

Pianist Pavel Kašpar is a good example. Born in Ostrava, Kašpar started his studies at the age of 6, continued in Prague but finished in Germany, now his base for a career that has taken him all over Europe, and to far-flung points in Mexico, Israel, the United States, Canada and China. Like many Czech musicians, he is noted for his combination of technical skills and thoughtful interpretation.

Friday night's chamber music concert in the Český Krumlov International Music Festival offers a good opportunity to see Kašpar perform, backed by a first-rate ensemble, the Talich Chamber Orchestra. They will be playing a program of Mozart and Schubert in the castle's splendid rococo Masquerade Hall.

Reached at the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, where he played a program of Beethoven, Chopin, Paderewski, Liszt and Martinů two weeks ago, Kašpar says he can still hear the voice of Professor František Rauch, his music teacher in Prague, when he prepares a Mozart piece.

"He told me, 'Don't play Mozart, it's dangerous,' " Kašpar says with a laugh. "The technique and music are very difficult, but the sound is light and clear, so the audience can hear every tone - and every wrong tone." But Kašpar is quick to add, "I like playing Mozart. I like Mozart very much."

One of the more interesting experiences Kašpar has had over the past few year was playing in China. He's been there twice, and will be going again this fall to perform in Beijing with the China Radio Symphony Orchestra, give a solo recital and conduct some workshops for students.

"The hall in Beijing is one of the largest concert halls in the world," he says. "It's a great experience to play there."

There's plenty to dazzle in that setting, but what struck Kašpar was the number of young people in the audience. In the West, one of the most pressing issues in classical music circles is how to freshen audiences that are growing older and smaller every year. According to Kašpar, that seems not to be a problem in Beijing.

"Absolutely, the hall is filled with young people, 20, 25 maximum," he says. "And it's great to work with them in classes. They are very enthusiastic and excited."

The Friday night concert will mark Kašpar's debut at the Český Krumlov festival. When he talks about playing there, he sounds as smitten as any first-time tourist. "It's the most beautiful city in the Czech Republic," he says. "It's like a fairy tale. I think Mozart is a perfect choice to play there."

Asked what the audience can expect, Kašpar strikes a modest note. "I'm very, very glad to be in the festival, and I hope it will be a nice concert," he says. "I'll do my best. That's what I can say: I'll do my best."

Which should be very good. If you stay for the weekend, you can sample a wildly different type of international flavor Saturday night, when the festival is hosting a Mexican Night in the Brewery Garden. It's a lovely place for a summer soiree, and festival organizers are promising big buffet tables of Mexican cuisine, with music by Mariachi Azteca de Praga, a lively, costumed mariachi band.

Frank Kuznik can be reached at fkuznik@praguepost.com

Frank Kuznik can be reached at
fkuznik@praguepost.com