CLAIRE THE VIOLINIST
AN INTIMATE INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL MUSIC
Photo by Julia
After meeting Claire at Esmer’s release party and enthusiastically discussing a wide array of topics from her history with the band to tips on fixing holes in my stockings, I got the opportunity to see her play live. Located in the middle of East Rock, at Bethesda Lutheran Church, “An Afternoon Concert”, as described on the invitation, took place and it was wonderful - to say the least.
Claire’s history goes much further back than our impromptu meeting, her website recounts her adventures as a musician, having worked as a touring artist, performed at Carnegie Hall, and studied with an array of decorated classical music professors. Despite her clearly carved-out place in the classical music world, she enjoys sharing her art to such a degree that she would offer this opportunity.
The church was a fitting space for the concert, the acoustics carried the music through and let the audience to get lost in the performance. There were no bells and whistles, just Claire & her violin paired with her extremely talented pianist, Elena Christova, the simplicity of the event demanded your respect for their craft.
Her talent speaks for itself. Mastering an instrument is not easy, and the violin is a different beast, but you wouldn't know that watching her play. The instrument almost seems like an extension of her, and hearing her explain her history with it—it is.
Julia:
Can you give me a little bit of background about you?
Claire:
“I didn't grow up with cable TV and pop culture all that much. My house was filled to the brim with books and the sound of my parents playing the piano. It was a lovely, old-school way to grow up. As an adult now, I still play that same piano from time to time. Like others, I attend online college. I read quite often, and write. Most recently, I have taken quite a shine to recording in music studios. I've recorded heavy metal, hip-hop, and just about everything else for clients from all walks of life. I love what I do. On any day, you can find me practicing, performing, teaching, or learning about music. It's an obsession of mine and I don't think I'll ever be cured of it. ;)”
Julia:
When/how did you start playing the violin?
Claire:
“While I was surrounded by music at home, it was Johnny Mathis’ fault really. I had seen a VHS tape of his orchestra play. And I was amazed. My eyes were practically glued to the screen. It was one of those rare moments in life where everything was dark and a lightbulb popped on. At that moment, I knew whatever they were doing, I wanted to be a part of it. When I was old enough (6), my mom brought me to a music school, and I picked out the violin to play. It’s been almost 20 years now, but I am so very glad I did. I'm most grateful to my teachers, mentors, friends, and family who have been cheering me on all this time. My family especially because they heard me practice hours and hours at a time and still loved me anyway.”
Portraits courtesy of Yvonne - via Claires IG.
Julia:
How did you set this up with the church? What does this venue mean to you?
Claire:
“I had heard about this Church through my violin teacher, Stephan Tieszen. He is a member of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and I have been studying music with him for some time. Stephan is a marvelous teacher and I enjoy being his student very much. He suggested that I should reach out. I picked this venue because of how beautiful the acoustics were and how good the piano was. I am not a member of this church, as I am a Roman Catholic, but I am quite grateful that I had the opportunity to share my music here. The church staff was most helpful and gracious in accommodations.”
Julia:
”Why play these pieces specifically?”
Claire:
“There were two reasons. The first piece was the Wieniawski Violin Concerto No. 2. I had asked my teacher to give me a severely technical piece. I wanted to grow my capabilities even if it was hard, or a challenge, I wanted to learn. So in rather plain terms, I asked for it.”
“The second piece was the Franck Piano and Violin Sonata. It was very strange, actually, at first, I was drawn to its beauty because of the fourth movement. But as I worked on it, my relationship with the music changed, I started to fall in love with the first and third movements instead. I found that they reflected and voiced the feelings I had been experiencing these past couple of years. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t have to hold my breath - I could finally let it all out. I had the space and freedom to do that.”
“I have never met César Franck, he died in 1890 - and yet - despite the centuries between us, I received such great compassion from his music. I felt understood and that's one of the things that makes music so amazing, how you can be so moved by someone you've never even met. You don't need to speak the same language, politics, or religion - you don’t even need to look the same, you’re just embraced as you are.”
Julia:
“Who is your partner in crime - your pianist?”
Claire:
“Her name is Elina Christova. She earned a Doctorate in Music from the Manhattan School of Music and teaches and performs regularly. I have so much fun making music with her!”
Julia:
“Can you give me a little background on how your collaboration with Elina came about?”
Claire:
”I had called her some years ago, as I was given her information from another musician. She is so kind and such a wonderful player. After our first rehearsal, I was sold. So now as a policy of mine, whenever I perform classical music, I always try to perform with Elina.”
Julia:
“Do you have any more shows/projects we can look forward to?”
Claire:
“Oh yeah, for sure! I perform quite regularly with my friends in an R&B band called Esmer. I also plan to release more of my work on Spotify. This February 22nd, I am performing it at the Recording Den. So, I'm pretty hyped about this year!”
After having the pleasure of experiencing Claire play live, I’m more than enthusiastic about everything else that’s on the way, here’s hoping Esmer gets a spot on Tiny Desk. Beyond thankful for the opportunity, and if you’re reading this, take this as a sign to explore classical music, and start with Claire!
