Welcome to our interview series with musicians from the classical music scene. Today we are delighted to introduce Edvard Erdal, violinist in the string quartet Opus 13 and 2nd concertmaster at Den Norske Opera & Ballett. He shares his thoughts on classical music and recommends upcoming concerts for both new and experienced concertgoers!
Name, instrument and profession
Edvard Erdal, violinist in Opus13 and 2nd concertmaster in the Opera Orchestra.
What are you working on at the moment?
We are in a hectic period with the quartet, working on a lot of repertoire at once, both new and old, for festivals and concerts in the coming weeks. In addition, the premiere of a new production of La Traviata at the Opera is approaching.
Which music should everyone really get to experience?
Beethoven's late string quartets.
Do you have any advice for “new listeners” who are curious about classical music and do not go to concerts very often?
Give the music more than one chance. As a professional performer I still often need a few chances before I like a new piece of music, simply because the music is so complex that it takes a bit of processing and maturing. So to me it is only natural that someone who perhaps does not listen to much classical music needs a few chances with a new piece before it really appeals.
Minister for classical music in Norway for a day – what would you do?
I would introduce a subject in early primary school where children are exposed to classical music in various ways, mainly through listening. Much classical music is complex and demanding, and perhaps not as easy to like as a four-chord pop song, but I am completely convinced that everyone is enriched by access to the classical music universe; people just need a little help discovering it.
Your latest great concert experience – what made it so special?
After two busy weeks of concerts and festivals with the quartet this summer, we were to finish with a lunchtime concert at a festival on Åland. It was actually a fairly casual concert where we were to play Mendelssohn's String Quartet Op. 13, and I was both tired and weary and ready for a few days off, but when we began to play I was suddenly gripped by the moment. I do not know if I can put into words why, but it became a very special half hour in which I lost track of time and place.
Any upcoming concerts you would recommend?
My quartet Opus13 makes its Universitetets Aula debut in the Aulaseriene on 24 September. We will play, among other things, Schubert's “Death and the Maiden”, a quartet I have dreamed of playing with Opus13 ever since we started playing together.
Finally – who would you like to challenge to take over the baton?
Frida Fredrikke Waaler Wærvågen!
