Three Quick Lessons From The Violin Wunderkind Who Became A Master

All Things Considered | Sep 29, 2014

Joshua Bell was once a boy wonder of the violin. Now, at 46, he leads nine young musicians in Masterclass. HBO's 30-minute documentary series pairs young artists with world-renowned mentors such as Placido Domingo, Frank Gehry and Patti LuPone, and gives both the teacher and the students opportunities to learn from each other. During an interview with NPR's Robert Siegel, Bell offers three solid pieces of advice to musicians new and old:

  • "[It's important to understand] your role in playing chamber music."
  • "The key is to figure out what you're contributing. If it's rhythm, then you don't want to drown everyone out. You want people to understand the rhythmic basis."
  • "To play with great energy and great character within [the soft dynamic] piano is something that one needs to learn how to do."

Joshua Bell's episode of Masterclass airs Oct. 14 on HBO.

Copyright 2014 NPR. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

One Refugee’s Journey Through ICE Detention

In 2025, ICE began detaining people at immigration hearings, an unprecedented step. The staff writer Jonathan Blitzer shares the story of one detainee whose life was turned upside down.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

Black and Latino Leaders React to DSA Wins

Jeffery Mays talks about how Black and Latino political leaders feel as members of DSA have gained power in NYC.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

Rain and storms ahead for NYC after a picture-perfect weekend

Spotty rain showers and a potential thunderstorm are predicted to begin Monday afternoon before a week of more rain and storms.
Gothamist |

A Wonder Is What It Is: Nick Offerman Reads 'The Want of Peace' by Wendell Berry

All Of It with Alison Stewart |
YOU ARE ONLINE