Itzhak Perlman’s Inspiration on the Alan Alda Podcast

This is a wonderful interview with Itzhak Perlman that a student (thank you Jim) sent my way. I am not a consistent subscriber to many podcasts and bounce around with my interests and tastes at any given moment. With this one, other than Itzhak’s words, Alan Alda’s voice is great and soothing to me for some reason.

While listening, the humanity of Perlman struck me once again. This is not to say I did not think of him as human. However, the “down to earth” aspect of his personality enables him to be an effective teacher.

Jim told me a story about when he hosted Perlman for a concert here in Charleston. He mentioned that during intermission, Perlman did not go back to his dressing room, but rather went to a pay phone (yes, this was before cell phones). Who was Perlman calling? His wife of course. It was to check in on the daily stuff of life and not necessarily an emergency. I think you can hear this in the conversation between Alda and Perlman in the interview.

As a teacher, I gleaned several insights into ways I can change my approach to helping students. I especially enjoyed his ideas of allowing the students to “own” the interpretations they create. As a performer, I feel obliged to think more deeply about pieces that I have successfully played and how to keep them evolving.

I shall not talk anymore about the interview beyond the above. I believe the statements of Itzhak Perlman have power all on their own without me adding to them. His playing has power on its own as well. Therefore, I hope you’ll take some time to grab a glass of wine (or whatever), and listen to this delightful exchange between two performers.

Here is the link to the podcast on Apple: Itzhak Perlman on the Spontaneity and Connection of Performance

Also, check out our other useful articles:

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• First Scale Test: Open Position C Major Scale Guitar
• Unveiling the Timeless Elegance: The History of “Classical Gas” by Mason Williams
• Performance Practice: Atmosphere That Simulates Performance

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Featured Photo Credit: Thomas Coex/AFP/Getty Images

Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.