Speaking Soundly: Alisa Weilerstein – Her Musical Beginnings and Groundbreaking Solo Concert Series Fragments

Podcast Information:

• Title: Speaking Soundly
• Host/Author: Artful Narratives Media
• Host: David Kraus, Principal Trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera
• Episode: Alisa Weilerstein: Her Musical Beginnings and Groundbreaking Solo Concert Series Fragments
• Release Date: December 24, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Speaking Soundly, host David Kraus engages in an intimate conversation with the acclaimed cellist Alisa Weilerstein. Known for her profound artistry and innovative projects, Weilerstein shares insights into her early musical journey, illustrious career, and her latest venture, the solo concert series Fragments. This summary encapsulates the depth and breadth of their discussion, highlighting key moments, personal anecdotes, and Weilerstein's visionary approach to classical music performance.

Early Musical Beginnings

Weilerstein's introduction to music was deeply rooted in her familial environment. Growing up in a household where both parents are professional musicians, she began performing at an exceptionally young age.

• Family Trio Experience:

  • Timestamp [00:00 – 01:10]: Weilerstein recounts playing in a trio with her parents starting at age six, highlighting the unique dynamic of rehearsing alongside her musician parents. This early immersion fostered a collaborative spirit rather than a traditional parent-child relationship.

  • Notable Quote [01:10]:
    Weilerstein: “They allowed me to fully participate in rehearsals and so it became less of a parent-child relationship. Just in the rehearsals, it was kind of like I was playing a role, like being a colleague.”

• Grandmother’s Support:

  • Timestamp [02:10 – 03:13]: A touching story emerges about her grandmother crafting makeshift string instruments from cereal boxes during a family tour. This gesture not only provided her with the tools to engage with her parents' rehearsals but also cemented her love for the cello from a tender age.

  • Notable Quote [02:30]:
    Weilerstein: “So when I was around four and a half, I started lessons.”

Educational Journey and Early Career

Weilerstein's dedication to her craft was evident as she advanced rapidly through her musical education, culminating in a significant milestone at age thirteen.

• Solo Debut with Cleveland Orchestra:

  • Timestamp [03:13 – 07:10]: By thirteen, Weilerstein achieved her solo debut with the Cleveland Orchestra, an accomplishment that not only fulfilled her childhood ambition but also marked the beginning of her professional trajectory. She reflects on feeling different during her formative years, finding solace and friendship in the Cleveland Institute of Music's Young Artist program.

  • Notable Quote [07:10]:
    Weilerstein: “No, it didn't really occur to me, honestly. Although I did think in my 13-year-old brain, I thought, I have waited a very long time for this.”

• Academic Pursuits at Columbia University:

  • Timestamp [09:08 – 09:53]: Defying the conventional path of immediate conservatory training, Weilerstein pursued a degree in Russian history at Columbia University. This decision was driven by her desire for a diverse educational experience and intellectual growth beyond music.

  • Notable Quote [09:21]:
    Weilerstein: “I really wanted a different kind of education for university-level education. And I wanted to make friends in different fields.”

• Balancing Studies and Performance:

  • Timestamp [10:04 – 10:36]: Balancing rigorous academic studies with an active performance schedule, Weilerstein describes her relentless work ethic, often sacrificing sleep to meet the demands of both arenas.

  • Notable Quote [10:04]:
    Weilerstein: “I burned a candle at both ends for sure.”

Notable Performances and Recognition

Weilerstein's career is decorated with prestigious performances, including a memorable appearance at the White House.

• Performance for the Obamas:

  • Timestamp [10:36 – 12:10]: She narrates her experience performing at the White House for President Obama and his family. The honor of being individually recognized and correctly named by the President stands out as a testament to her growing reputation.

  • Notable Quote [11:55]:
    Weilerstein: “I was just happy that he said my name though. And then… he said Elisa Weilerstein.”

Innovative Fragments Concert Series

One of the episode's focal points is Weilerstein's groundbreaking solo concert series, Fragments, which redefines the traditional concert experience.

• Genesis During Lockdown:

  • Timestamp [12:44 – 15:03]: Conceived during the challenging period of the COVID-19 lockdown, Fragments emerged as a creative response to the cancellation of numerous projects. Weilerstein sought to innovate the concert experience by integrating short, standalone pieces from a diverse group of composers, interwoven with classical and contemporary movements.

  • Notable Quote [12:44]:
    Weilerstein: “Let's try not to waste a good crisis. Let's see how, how can we recover?”

• Concert Structure and Audience Experience:

  • Timestamp [12:44 – 16:02]: Fragments is designed as an “18-course tasting menu of music,” where the audience experiences a seamless blend of 27 different composers' works without prior context. This approach encourages listeners to engage with the music purely on its artistic merit, free from external narratives.

  • Notable Quote [15:03]:
    Weilerstein: “I wanted to kind of recreate that [focusing on the true voice through music].”

• Audience Connection:

  • Timestamp [16:02 – 16:37]: Weilerstein emphasizes the profound connection felt during performances, noting moments where the hall falls silent, underscoring the intimate dialogue between the performer and the audience.

  • Notable Quote [16:02]:
    Weilerstein: “The tension in the hall was really palpable for me on Stage two.”

Personal Life and Collaboration

Beyond her professional endeavors, Weilerstein shares glimpses into her personal life, particularly her relationship with her husband, Rafael Pallares, a prominent conductor.

• Marriage to Rafael Pallares:

  • Timestamp [17:18 – 18:36]: Discussing her marriage to Rafael Pallares, Weilerstein highlights the harmonious blend of their professional and personal lives. Both share a profound passion for music, fostering a deep mutual understanding and collaboration, especially when performing together.

  • Notable Quote [17:26]:
    Weilerstein: “There’s something so pure and so deep about the way in which Raphael experiences and emanates music from his whole being.”

Cultural Identity and Accents

In a light-hearted exchange towards the episode's end, Weilerstein touches upon cultural identity and her knack for accents.

• Accent Mimicry:

  • Timestamp [18:40 – 19:36]: Weilerstein reveals her hobby of mimicry, particularly her ability to imitate various accents, including the heavy Cleveland accent—a nod to her upbringing. This talent not only showcases her versatility but also her playful side.

  • Notable Quote [19:06]:
    Weilerstein: “I'm very aware of accents, and I was aware of the heavy Cleveland accent, and I was very conscious not to get it. I didn't want it.”

Conclusion

Alisa Weilerstein's episode on Speaking Soundly offers a profound exploration of her journey as a musician, her innovative spirit with the Fragments concert series, and the intricate balance between her personal and professional life. Through candid discussions and heartfelt anecdotes, listeners gain an intimate understanding of what drives one of today's foremost cellists to continually push the boundaries of classical music.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Participation in Early Rehearsals:
  Weilerstein [01:10]: “They allowed me to fully participate in rehearsals... like being a colleague.”

• Starting Cello Lessons:
  Weilerstein [02:30]: “When I was around four and a half, I started lessons.”

• Solo Debut Realization:
  Weilerstein [07:10]: “I thought, I have waited a very long time for this.”

• Educational Choices:
  Weilerstein [09:21]: “I wanted a different kind of education for university-level education.”

• Performance Ethos:
  Weilerstein [12:44]: “Let's try not to waste a good crisis.”

• Concert Experience:
  Weilerstein [15:03]: “I wanted to kind of recreate that [focusing on the true voice through music].”

• Marriage Harmony:
  Weilerstein [17:26]: “There’s something so pure and so deep... Raphael experiences and emanates music.”

• Cultural Identity:
  Weilerstein [19:06]: “I was very conscious not to get it [the Cleveland accent]. I didn't want it.”

For more insights and inspiring conversations with leading musicians, subscribe to Speaking Soundly on your preferred podcast platform and follow Artful Narratives Media artfulnarrativesmedia.com.