Martin Stadtfeld performs his first Turkish concert

The artist began playing music at a very young age and gave his debut recital at the age of 9. He began studying at the Musikhochschule Frankfurt at 13 and has since had an impressive musical career, performing across Europe, the US and Japan. He was also the first German artist to win the International Bach Competition in Leipzig.

Speaking with Today’s Zaman ahead of his performance, his first ever in Turkey, he said he was very excited to meet his Turkish audience.

You are well-known for your interpretations of the work of Bach. What defines the way in which you approach this composer’s music?

It is very hard to answer this question, but it is easy as well at the same time. I listen to Bach all the time, and I love to play his pieces. I follow his music, and I find a very deep humanity in it. Whatever I want and like exists in this music. I am trying to meet with him through his music.

Who are some of the other composers whose work you most enjoy performing?

Beethoven, Brahms, Schumann, Liszt, Rachmaninoff and especially Schubert.

You began playing music at a young age. What first drew you to music?

My family does not consist of musicians, but my mother used to listen to music a lot. She directed me to it. When I was 6 my parents asked me if I wanted to play an instrument, and I chose the piano.

Why did you choose the piano?

I don’t really know but I did not think of anything else at the time. My mother used to listen to Beethoven’s 5th Symphony a lot, this may be the reason. I was sure that I was going to be a pianist even during the first years that I was taking piano lessons. I always saw myself as a pianist.

Aside from classical music, what other forms of music inspire you?

Classical music is multidimensional for me. I listen to other types of music very rarely. I have been listening to Bruckner and Wagner a lot lately. These are very important for me.

What are your goals for the future as an artist?

I think that I am extremely lucky in my profession, and because of this, I believe that I don’t have to study a lot.

Do you prefer to perform music in a concert setting or in a studio? How does the environment affect your performance?

Every salon is different, every piano is different, every audience is different and the satisfaction they give also different. While performing there is only one thing for me -- to meet in the music. The most important thing is concentration, feeling and giving yourself. One can feel this flow at any time, and in order to feel it again, you need time.

What countries have you most enjoyed performing in? Do you notice large differences between audiences in different countries?

I love playing everywhere. For example, the people in Japan concentrated completely. Koreans reacted like Europeans. Of course, the reactions of the audience vary a lot. I am very exited to meet the Turkish audience as well.

What are your impressions of Turkey?

I have never been to Turkey before. I have heard a lot of things about the people and believe they are very interesting people.

Are you familiar with any Turkish musicians?