By: Azad Karimi
Art and culture are unfortunately not the economic and political priority nowadays - have they ever been? - but I think we must remain positive and optimistic.
Interview
Belgian Musician Stephane Nathanael Ginsburgh
By Azad Karimi
In a few previous interviews, I wrote that I wanted to write about how the English and the Kurds got to know each other.
Of course, I wrote about the history of the acquaintance of the French and the Kurds and talked about the historical relations between the Kurds and the British. Here, too, I promise to write about the historical relations of the Kurds with the Germans and the Norwegians as I wrote about the relations of the Kurds with the Italians and the Greeks.
But why did the British and the Kurds get to know each other and what happened goes back to the Third Crusade (1189-1192).
The results of this period of the Crusades were in favor of the Christians.
These interests were the result of peace between the two great kings of history, Richard the Lionheart, King of Anglo-Saxon England, and Kurdish Saladin, King of Syria, and Egypt.
Richard the Lionheart defeated Kurdish Saladin in the battle of Arsuf, which is in the land of Israel on 07th September 1191.
With this defeat, the legend of Saladin's invincibility was shattered and Richard of England was nicknamed the Lionheart.
After the peace between Richard and Saladin, many lands fell to the Christians in the Levant and the Kingdom of Cyprus was also established under the leadership of the Lusignan dynasty.
Richard the Lionheart gave the title of Knight to Saladin.
After the peace treaty, Richard returned to Europe and heard that Saladin was dead. Richard was very sad. After the death of these two heroic kings, the Fourth Crusade took place.
Another interesting topic to write about is the publication of the first Kurdish newspaper in Folkestone and London city in the United Kingdom in 1902.
After this historical introduction, I would like to address our interview: Stephane Nathanael Ginsburgh & I. I hope you enjoy and get acquainted with the thoughts and art of this Belgian artist who can motivate those who are interested in music.
I wish him the best in life with success and happiness.
Thank you!
Vestland-Norway
1- Please present yourself: Name, education, Civil status, and…
.My name is Stephane Nathanael Ginsburgh and I live in Brussels where I was born. I live with my 11-year old daughter and my girlfriend who is an opera singer. I have a master's in music, a BA in the philosophy of science, and a Ph.D. in Arts. I studied piano at the Conservatory and with masters like Jerome Lowenthal, Claude Helffer, and Paul Badura-Skoda.
2-What is your artistic specialty?
.I am a pianist playing the classical repertoire but very much involved in new music and working with composers.
This puts me in contact with connected disciplines like composition, electronic music and instruments, acting, dance, and visual arts.
So I am also a performer.
3- When and how did you become interested in this field of art?
.From a very early age, my parents were not musicians but avid music listeners.
I started music with the Kodály method and subsequently took piano lessons from age 6.
4- Who was your motivator?
.Like many children, I guess my parents, both in a particular way. My mom is a painter and my father a scientist. Apart from that, I have later been motivated by personalities, books, recordings. The list is extremely long!
5- What was your parent’s reaction?
.They always encouraged me in all the directions I have taken. For some time I hesitated to go into science but music prevailed.
6- When did you become such a professional artist-Speaker?
.It’s true that I love speaking, with and without music, but what do you mean by “artist-speaker”?
7- Are you thankful and happy because of your activities as an artist-speaker?
.See question 6. I am a happy person in general. I am not afraid to say that even though music is a central part of my life, I would manage to be happy without it.
8- How do you see the view? About art, culture, direct performing?
.Art and culture are unfortunately not the economic and political priority nowadays - have they ever been? - but I think we must remain positive and optimistic.
They teach us other values like listening to others, patience, perseverance, hard work, and fulfillment.
9- Can you become one part of the cultural movement for motivation in youth or new generations in your country and so on?
.As a teacher, both at the school level and conservatory level, I believe musical and artistic education in general, as well as scientific education, are absolutely essential to the development of the well-being and consciousness in the younger generation.
But I must add that as adults, experienced artists, and teachers, we also have a lot to learn from the new generations. Not only do we teach, but we must also learn to trust them and listen to them!
10- How can you help our world become a better place to live?
.By being involved, concerned, and engaged in everyday activities on a local and a global level. I believe in solidarity and generosity.
11- Have you more words to say or suggest for our readers?
.Who are your readers? I can answer if I know.
But without knowing, I wish them happiness.
website www.ginsburgh.net
Videos:
Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Vhfy6Dj8fhY5q6jyLwC4g
Complete Prokofiev sonatas:
Note:
The photo was taken by Belgian composer Stefan Prins while rehearsing his piece "Piano Hero" in Dublin for the Music Current 2018 festival.
