Speaking Soundly: Episode with Colin Jacobsen

Host: David Krause
Guest: Colin Jacobsen
Release Date: January 21, 2025

1. Introduction and Family Legacy

David Krause opens the episode by highlighting Colin Jacobsen's significant contributions to the classical music landscape. As a prominent violinist, composer, and member of the Silk Road Ensemble, Colin is recognized for his boundary-pushing endeavors, including his foundational roles in Brooklyn Rider and the Knights.

Key Points:

• Musical Heritage: Colin comes from a distinguished musical family. His father served as an associate concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and his mother was a flutist and teacher.
• Sibling Collaborations: Colin collaborates closely with his brothers, who are also accomplished musicians—his brother Eric is a cellist and conductor.

2. Growing Up in a Musical Household

David delves into Colin's upbringing amidst a vibrant musical environment, questioning whether this legacy was a source of pride or pressure.

Colin's Insights:

• "Our living room was filled with musicians, many from the Met, who would often come over and read chamber music all night." [02:14]
• Joyous Atmosphere: Colin reminisces about the lively and social musical gatherings, which fostered his early love for music.
• Balanced Upbringing: Despite the rigorous practice schedules, Colin's parents skillfully balanced musical discipline with personal interests, allowing him time for activities like baseball.

Key Points:

• Inspiration from Parents: His mother's method of organizing his practice allowed Colin to pursue music passionately without feeling overly pressured.
• Early Exposure: Regular backstage experiences at the Met Opera fueled his excitement and commitment to music from a young age.

3. Early Rebellion and Expanding Musical Horizons

David inquires if Colin ever felt the need to rebel against his family's musical legacy, to which Colin responds by highlighting his father's more rebellious nature.

Colin's Reflections:

• "My dad is actually more of a rebel than I am. He supported chamber music parties as long as they were focused around music." [04:42]
• Exploration Beyond Tradition: Colin describes his personal rebellion as an eclectic exploration of diverse musical genres rather than adhering strictly to classical norms.
• Silk Road Ensemble Influence: His involvement with Silk Road introduced him to a myriad of global musical traditions, broadening his artistic perspective.

Key Points:

• Diverse Musical Influences: Exposure to various cultures and musical styles during his time in Europe significantly shaped Colin's approach to music.
• Encouragement from Mentors: Robert Mann, his teacher at Juilliard, encouraged Colin to forge his own path, fostering his innovative spirit.

4. Balancing Technical Proficiency with Creative Openness

David poses a question about how Colin maintains his technical skills while staying open to new musical ideas.

Colin's Philosophy:

• "If you have a firm enough ground to stand upon and you are confident in that ground, but not possessive and not afraid to take a leap, it isn't just a wash of just try this, try that." [10:11]
• Core Competence: Emphasizes the importance of a strong technical foundation, allowing for confident exploration of diverse musical territories.
• Adaptability in Collaboration: Colin believes in adapting to the needs of each musical situation, whether it requires leadership or collaborative synergy.

Key Points:

• Spine and Flexibility: Maintaining a balance between technical mastery and creative experimentation enables Colin to navigate various musical landscapes effectively.
• Collaborative Nature: His reputation as a collaborative and supportive musician stems from his ability to enhance the performance of those around him.

5. The Dynamics of Collaboration and Mentorship

David explores Colin's reputation as a "super nice guy" and how it influences his collaborative efforts on stage.

Colin's Approach:

• "I prefer to collaborate with people who are nice, but collaboration comes in many different shapes and sizes." [11:08]
• Adaptable Leadership: Colin adapts his role based on the needs of the ensemble, sometimes taking the lead and other times supporting his colleagues.
• Positive Influence: He strives to uplift those around him, believing that a supportive environment leads to the best collective performances.

Key Points:

• Conflict Management: While Colin avoids unnecessary conflict, he recognizes the importance of clarity and sometimes assertiveness in achieving musical excellence.
• Modeling After Mentors: Inspired by figures like Yo-Yo Ma, Colin aims to create an atmosphere where every musician feels valued and empowered.

6. Brotherhood and Ensemble Resilience

David touches upon Colin's long-term collaboration with his brother Eric, questioning how familial bonds influence their ensemble dynamics.

Colin's Insights:

• "We've developed a shorthand over years of playing together, allowing us to get to the heart of the musical matter faster." [13:16]
• Shared Language: Years of collaboration have created an unspoken understanding, enhancing their musical interactions.
• Navigating Interpersonal Dynamics: While familial relationships bring unique challenges, they also foster resilience and deeper musical connections.

Key Points:

• Forging Strong Bonds: The intense collaboration between Colin and Eric has forged a robust working relationship that transcends typical ensemble partnerships.
• Adaptability: Learning to manage heated debates and channel passion into productive outcomes has strengthened their ensemble's cohesion.

7. Founding and Evolution of The Knights

David highlights The Knights as a testament to Colin's commitment to expanding classical music boundaries, asking about its origins and growth.

Colin's Journey:

• Humble Beginnings (2000-2005): Started as a small string orchestra of about 20 members, holding retreats in Long Island to rehearse and live together.
• Transition to Formal Organization (2006-2007): Recognizing the need for structure, Colin and Eric incorporated The Knights as a nonprofit, allowing for sustainable growth and broader outreach.

Key Points:

• Community and Energy: The immersive retreats fostered a strong sense of community and creative energy, essential for The Knights' early success.
• Strategic Growth: Transitioning to a formal organization enabled The Knights to secure funding and expand their musical projects, including prestigious residencies like Carnegie Hall.

8. Composing Amidst a Busy Schedule

David inquires about Colin's foray into composing, considering his demanding performance commitments.

Colin's Motivation:

• "Writing music is what I want to hear in the world." [18:56]
• Personal Expression: Composing allows Colin to contribute his unique voice to the living tradition of music, akin to genres like rock and jazz.
• Flexible Workflow: Balancing composition with performance is managed through project-based work, often fitting creative sessions into travel and family time.

Key Points:

• Inspirational Collaborations: Collaborations with artists like Kahan Kalhor have inspired and facilitated Colin's journey into composition.
• Integrated Creativity: Viewing his entire career as project-based helps Colin seamlessly integrate composing into his multifaceted musical life.

9. The Joy of Performance and Collaboration

In concluding the interview, David asks Colin about what brings him the most joy in his musical career.

Colin's Reflections:

• "The only thing that has made that better in recent years is my daughter being in the audience." [21:27]
• Peak Experience: The exhilaration of making lightning-fast musical connections on stage, whether in a quartet or a full orchestra, is his ultimate source of joy.
• Personal Fulfillment: Performing offers Colin unparalleled satisfaction, enriched by the presence of his family.

Key Points:

• Dedication to Music: Colin's unwavering passion for performance and collaboration underscores his lifelong commitment to the arts.
• Family and Legacy: The support of his family, particularly his daughter, enhances the personal fulfillment he derives from his musical endeavors.

Conclusion

In this episode of Speaking Soundly, Colin Jacobsen offers an intimate glimpse into his musical journey, shaped by a rich family legacy, a passion for diverse musical exploration, and a commitment to collaborative excellence. From his early days immersed in a household of musicians to his innovative work with ensembles like Brooklyn Rider and The Knights, Colin exemplifies the blend of technical mastery and creative openness that defines contemporary classical music. His reflections on balancing performance with composition and the profound joy he finds in musical connection provide valuable insights for aspiring musicians and enthusiasts alike.

Notable Quotes:

• "Writing music is what I want to hear in the world." – Colin Jacobsen [18:56]
• "The only thing that has made that better in recent years is my daughter being in the audience." – Colin Jacobsen [21:27]

Further Listening:
For those intrigued by this conversation, consider exploring earlier episodes featuring artists like Wynton Marsalis, Regina Spektor, Joyce DiDonato, Emmanuel Ax, and Rufus Wainwright. Stay tuned for the next episode airing on February 4th, featuring renowned jazz vocalist Cecile McLaurin Salvante.