JAVS Spring 2022

as I crossed the threshold on to the stage, I had a feeling of disappointment and not excitement. I realized at that moment, that although it was very important to do a good job, my heart was saying “now what?” I knew I had to perform, but my journey was done – I had made it to where I wanted to be, but I was back at the blank page of life. DP: At this point, what do you have in the pipeline regarding newly commissioned works, assuming you are free to divulge the information? CC: I have decided that I’m done with writing music in the classical sense. Classical music has lost its path. Instead of being a plate of great food that is perfectly seasoned, it has become a plate of seasons masquerading as a main dish. It is now almost entirely an exercise for the mind without any regard to the heart or the soul. Worse yet, the current trend is to try to re-invent the wheel with the interpretation and performance of compositions that have stood the test of time. I am writing music now that is clear for anyone to understand and engage with – that is my main objective. If it doesn’t attain that, then no one gets to experience it. I am in the process of recording a series of about twenty dance movements I finished during the past few months. very favorable reviews, and one can only conclude that you have had several soirees in the field since. How do you intend to establish balance between four disparate activities—your principal viola position, solo performance, composition, and conducting—any one of which would be enough to keep anyone busy for an entire career? CC: In my opinion, one of the most important things in life is having possibilities. The more I learn, the more I do, the more that I am okay with failure, the more possibilities I have. I’m not trying to have a career; I’m just trying to grow my pot of possibilities. DP: You likewise have begun conducting—your Musica De Camera String Ensemble program in 2008 received

DP: Some people thrive on diversity; others tend to spread themselves too thin. Where do you see yourself in this spectrum? CC: Spreading yourself too thin is a side effect of doing it wrong, and diversity is a goal for the unfocused. My approach is more like when you go get your eyes checked out and the doctor puts that futuristic visor looking thing in front of your eyes and switches the lenses you see through. Do you see better here or here? You have to have all the lenses at your fingertips to switch between them (possibilities), but in the end it comes down to one question – do you see better here or here? DP: Christian, what a pleasure it has been to have this conversation with you. Thank you most sincerely for sharing these many and varied episodes from your very interesting life and fascinating career. Additional information on the activities (complete with videos) and career of Christian Colberg can be found by visiting the following websites: https://www.christiancolberg.com https://cincinnatisymphony.org https://www.aspenmusicfestival.com https://musicwithamaster.com>christian-colberg

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Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 38, No. 1, Spring 2022