We launched our series, entitled “Quarantine Minutes,” so as not to lose touch with one another even during these difficult times. We spoke with our musicians to hear how they were dealing with their new circumstances in light of the coronavirus epidemic. How have their lives changed? Are they able to find anything positive in their situation? What music do they recommend for you? We hope you enjoy hearing from BFO French horn player Dávid Bereczky.
What music would you recommend for our audiences while they are isolated at home? What do you listen to and what do you like to play to improve your mood?
My recommendation is for our dear audiences self-isolating at home to embark on a journey of exploration in the world of music. This takes three things: a decision, time and perseverance. If we happen to have the time, the other two factors are only up to us.
There are countless “unknown” treasures in music literature which one must listen to three times, focusing on the music, before their true beauty becomes apparent. At that point, you realize that it was worth spending the time on the piece, and it is no accident that it survived for decades or centuries.
Just a few examples from my own personal experience:
- Jean Sibelius’s symphonies transport the patient listener to a magical world which no other music can reach. For me, it is always like sitting somewhere where you can stare off into infinity.
- Arnold Schönberg: Gurrelieder. Sadly, this musical gem, almost two hours long, is almost never performed at concerts. I can only hope that one day we will play it. Fortunately, in the meantime, there are recordings of the piece.
Anyone embarking on their own journey with open ears will find many more pieces like that.
What do you do in the time you would otherwise have spent with the orchestra? Who do you make music with at home, and how?
I spend my time playing the French horn, of course. There are endless levels to advance to, and now there is the time for it. There is time to play with tonalities, and I have time to learn and perfect various techniques. It is also a special gift during this period that I can play duets with my son, who is also a French horn player.
Have you learned anything new during the quarantine? Have you perhaps picked up any new habits?
I have learned to juggle using three balls. :-) It is a great way to relax your mind.
What do you miss the most right now?
I miss the concert halls, and in particular I miss the Kodály Centre in Pécs the most. Apart from the fact that it is a great space to perform from an acoustics point of view, it is also a building where the proportions, sizes and distances of the auditorium are such that you cannot possibly perceive the audience as a mass, but rather as a set of individuals listening to a concert. This makes the atmosphere more personal, in a way, which is not always a given in other concert halls.
What do you like about the quarantine?
The fact that there are more activities for the family to do together, of course. Additionally, these weeks represent another step on the road toward self-knowledge. As with any unusual situation, this is an opportunity to observe and transform our own reactions and the perceived limits of our patience.
Is there anything in your life you never had time for before, but always wanted to do - and now you’ve been able to try?
To clean up our little yard. I have been putting this off for more than ten years.
Tune in to our Quarantine soirées! Visit our Facebook page every evening from 7:45 p.m. If you would like to support our series, we would appreciate it very much.
