In an enlightening interview, chief conductor Kirill Petrenko of the Berlin Philharmonic reflects on the profound impact of his Jewish heritage and its influence on his musical journey. Though he grew up in the Soviet Union without a strong connection to Jewish religious practices, he has always felt a pull towards a spiritual dimension akin to that expressed in Mahler’s compositions. Petrenko finds a poignant connection with Mahler’s longing for the divine, particularly evident in works like the Eighth Symphony, echoing his own yearning for sacredness in music.
Petrenko relates to Mahler’s existential feelings of alienation, identifying with Mahler’s assertion of being “homeless three times over.” This shared sense of estrangement resonates deeply with Petrenko after his own emigration from the Soviet Union. He acknowledges that while interpretations of Mahler’s music suggest a Jewish essence, the conductor believes in its universal appeal, transcending cultural boundaries.
Despite his lack of a lived experience within Jewish traditions, Petrenko acknowledges that remnants of Jewish culture, such as klezmer-inspired elements, can be found in Mahler’s early influences. However, he insists that Mahler’s music is not merely defined by Jewish identity but is a broader artistic exploration. Petrenko reflects on the anti-Semitism he faced growing up, which forced him to conceal his heritage, leading to a deep-seated regret for not engaging with his cultural roots. He concludes with the hope of rediscovering his Jewish identity, feeling more authentically Jewish during his visits to Israel, albeit in his unique way.
In a rare interview, Kirill Petrenko of the Berlin Philharmonic discusses his relationship with his Jewish heritage and its influence on his musical interpretation of Mahler. Despite a lack of engagement with Jewish traditions in his Soviet upbringing, he feels a deep emotional connection to Mahler, sharing sentiments of alienation and a longing for spiritual connection in music. Petrenko expresses regret for his past disconnection but harbours hope for rediscovery of his Jewish identity.
In summary, Kirill Petrenko’s reflections unveil a heartfelt journey through his Jewish identity and its relation to Mahler’s legacy. His experiences of estrangement resonate with Mahler’s music, highlighting a universal longing for connection. Although he didn’t fully embrace his Jewish heritage during his upbringing, Petrenko expresses a desire to explore and reconcile these aspects in his life as he continues to evolve as both a musician and a person.
Original Source: slippedisc.com
