Pavel Šporcl

A Month with Pavel Šporcl…

Ask the violinist Pavel Šporcl about all the things that interest you!

Half a year ago, Supraphon released Pavel Šporcl’s new album featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Bach’s Double Concerto in D minor (SU 3931-2). The CD also contains a special "videobonus": Vivaldi’s Concerto No. 4 ‘L’Inverno’ and Concerto No. 2 ‘L’Estate’. On this album, Pavel is accompanied by the Prague Philharmonia. Last week, he was presented with a Gold Record from Supraphon for the number of copies sold.

Currently, Pavel is on a tour of the Czech Republic, where he is to perform in twenty-two cities. His nearest concert abroad will take place on July 4 at Koifhus Hall, Colmar, France.

Till the end of June you have the opportunity to ask Pavel about his plans, taste in music, and all sorts of other things!

Questions and answers

Zdeňka, CZ

First of all, let me wish you all the best, Pavel! I would like to know what kind of music you like, beside the music that you play yourself. And do you go to concerts?

I like all good music. I listen to Sting, Barbara Streisand, Gwen Stefanni, Hradišťan, the gipsy violinist Lakatoš, and many others. Of course, I also listen to classical music… I do go to concerts from time to time, classical as well as nonclassical. – I’ve seen R.E.M., Robbie Williams, and also an awful concert by Madonna(!) Pavel

Bach Bui (bachjbui@gmail.com)

Mr. Šporcl, could you please tell us more about where your blue violin came from, and how it came into your possession?

The idea of crafting a blue violin came about three years ago at a symposium of the best violin makers in the world, which took place in Italy. I wished that something extraordinary would happen in the sphere of violin making, so I asked the best Czech violin maker Jan Špidlen to make a blue violin for me. He made a truly wonderful instrument that is extraordinary not only because of its unusual appearance and some minor innovations, but also because of its tone colour. This violin proved to be better than some Strads! I’m very happy to play on it and to be able to show to the world that even today it’s possible to make a violin that may well compete with old Italian masters’ instruments! Pavel

Karel, CZ

I've read somewhere that you are going to record a new CD with gipsy folk music. Could you please specify exactly what kind of music the CD will feature?

Yes, I do prepare such a CD. The CD will feature gipsy violin repertoire and I will record it live with the Bratislava band Romano Stilo at two concerts which will take place in Prague next month. Pavel

Zuzana, CZ

I very much look forward to your concerts, and I am definitely going to attend some! I'd like to wish you all the best! What is it like to play the Four Seasons for a fiftieth time?

I enjoy playing the Four Seasons every time I have the opportunity to play this music. It doesn't bore me at all. Best wishes, Pavel

Soňa, CZ

Mr. Šporcl, what is it like to play on a blue violin?

It's a great pleasure to play on this instrument! Not only is the violin blue, but it sounds extremely good! Recently I've had the opportunity to compare it to a Stradivarius instrument, and I must say that my blue lacquered violin was better! Warm regards to Ostrava, where I will play on October 20th during my "Vivaldi Tour 2008"! Pavel

Ludmila, CZ

What CD are you going to release this year?

This year I plan to release a CD with gipsy music. In the meantime, however, I'm going to record another CD, this time with the Prague Symphony Orchestra. This CD will feature the violin concertos by R. Strauss and E.W. Korngold. Pavel Šporcl