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Igor NaymarkPianist |
Content:
- Igor Neymark: A Musical Master
- The Living Instrument
- The Seeds of Musical Destiny
- Early Musical Influences
- The Path to Recognition
- The Choice of the Piano
- A Musical Exodus
- The KGB's Shadow
- A New Beginning in Israel
- The Power of Visualization
- Musical Choices
- Technical Virtuosity
- Personal Life
- Mentorship
- The Enduring Talent Drain
- International Acclaim
- The Importance of Free Time
- Music on the Sabbath
- Domestic Harmony
- Aspirations
- No Regrets
Igor Neymark: A Musical Master
Igor Neymark is a renowned pianist whose talents have graced audiences across Europe and America. His inclusion in the New York Philharmonic's roster is a testament to his extraordinary abilities. In Israel and beyond, his concerts consistently draw full houses, and his performances have garnered rave reviews from prestigious publications in Spain, Italy, and England. MIGnews holds the honor of being the first Russian-language outlet to secure an interview with the pianist in his native tongue.
The Living Instrument
When Neymark performs, one cannot help but be mesmerized by the way the piano seems to come alive under his touch, as if he and the instrument are one. "The piano," he explains, "is the medium through which I express myself musically. It is my instrument of creation." He emphasizes that the piano is a living entity: "It feels how you treat it. You must not pound on it but feel each key, caress it with care. Growing up, I was taught, 'You have no right to sit at the instrument with dirty hands.'" This practice has stayed with Neymark throughout his life.
The Seeds of Musical Destiny
Neymark's love for music blossomed at an early age: "My grandfather shared that as a toddler, I would cry when I heard the sound of a cello, become frightened by the loud brass of a military band, and try to sing along with birds. No one forced me to practice; it was an innate need within me. I would sit at the instrument and just start playing and improvising."
Music became Neymark's playground: "Like other children play with toys and dolls, I played on the instrument. I entered a magical, incomprehensible world of sound."
Early Musical Influences
Neymark traces his earliest musical experiences to the lullabies sung to him as a child, particularly Mozart's "Sleep, My Joy, Sleep." This melody became the first piece he picked out on the piano at just three years old.
Neymark's musical lineage played a significant role in his development. His grandfather was a cellist, his grandmother a pianist, and his uncle a renowned pianist. His mother possessed a beautiful voice and an acute ear for music, while his cousins were also musicians.
The Path to Recognition
While acknowledging the natural talent and hard work that are essential for success as a pianist, Neymark stresses the importance of good fortune: "In addition to talent and determination, you need a bit of luck. Someone has to notice you, bless you, and give you a boost." He points out that many gifted musicians remain "talented for themselves" without achieving widespread recognition.
Neymark views international competitions as potential gateways to fame, but he also recognizes their competitive and sometimes subjective nature. He has been a laureate in several contests, including the prestigious Mykola Lysenko International Competition.
The Choice of the Piano
Neymark never once regretted his decision to pursue the piano over other instruments like the violin: "I started out as a cellist because there was a shortage of students in that section at my music school, while too many wanted to study the piano. I spent two years on it, and I don't regret it. I still appreciate this and other instruments, but they all require accompaniment. Only on the piano can you perform as if you're conducting a symphony orchestra. No other instrument can offer the richness that the piano provides, except perhaps the organ. Incidentally, I play both the organ and the harpsichord."
A Musical Exodus
Neymark's career in the former Soviet Union reached its peak, but he felt the growing pressure and anti-Semitism. When the Communist Party questioned why a Jewish pianist like Neymark was given precedence over Belarusian musicians, he knew it was time to leave.
The KGB's Shadow
Neymark's interaction with the KGB spanned decades. During his student years, he was repeatedly pressured to "cooperate." He refused, resulting in several uncomfortable encounters.
Despite opportunities to emigrate earlier, Neymark stayed in the Soviet Union to avoid jeopardizing his uncle's career. After serving in the Soviet Army, he faced a five-year travel ban.
A New Beginning in Israel
Upon arriving in Israel during the wave of Soviet immigration, Neymark's talents were quickly recognized. Professor Kraskovsky of the Tel Aviv Academy of Music had heard his recordings and invited him to join the faculty, fulfilling a promise to welcome Neymark to his homeland.
Within the academy, Neymark's reputation as a gifted pianist who could effortlessly perform the entire classical repertoire from sight has ensured his position.
Though many Israeli musicians initially struggled to find work in the country, Neymark's connections and skills paved the way for him to continue his musical endeavors. He has performed alongside renowned conductors such as Noam Sheriff, Shapovalov, and Povolotsky, among others.
The Power of Visualization
One striking aspect of Neymark's performances is his tendency to close his eyes while playing. The music seems to flow effortlessly from his hands, with no need to look at the keyboard. During these moments, he explains, "I am completely immersed in the music. I see images and scenes in my mind, which I strive to convey through my playing. These images are constantly changing."
Musical Choices
Neymark's concert programs reflect his artistic freedom: "I am at a stage in my life where I can play what I want." However, he acknowledges that earlier in his career, he had to perform specific pieces based on ideological considerations rather than artistic merit.
Technical Virtuosity
When it comes to technical ability, Neymark confidently asserts that there are no piano works he cannot play. He handles his instrument with skill and care, avoiding excessive precautions but also steering clear of actions that could harm his hands.
Personal Life
Beyond his music, Neymark's personal life has taken a different path: "My personal life has been intertwined with my instrument. I am 'married' to music. It just turned out that way. Perhaps I am partly to blame. I may not have actively sought a woman who would love both me and my music. Maybe I haven't yet met someone who can fully understand my life's passion."
Mentorship
In lieu of his own children, Neymark has found fulfillment in mentoring talented young musicians. He takes pride in guiding them along their musical journey: "I believe that the relationship between a teacher and a student goes beyond that of a father and son. That's the way it should be. Only when there is trust can genuine learning take place."
One of Neymark's most promising pupils is Aviv Sheriff, the son of Noam Sheriff. Aviv has made remarkable progress under Neymark's tutelage, recently performing Bach's F minor concerto with great success.
The Enduring Talent Drain
Despite Israel's cultural vitality, many talented artists ultimately leave the country, often due to the small size and limited opportunities available. Neymark acknowledges this trend: "There are many concert halls here, but there are also a lot of talented people per square kilometer."
International Acclaim
Neymark's concert tours have taken him across Europe, leaving unforgettable impressions. One notable performance in Spain resulted in an injury when a heavy chair accidentally fell on his foot. Despite the injury, Neymark continued to play, drawing thunderous applause from the audience and receiving an award from the local municipality.
The Importance of Free Time
While Neymark's life is largely dedicated to music, he cherishes the rare moments of free time he has: "I find that I need to practice every day. If I miss one day, I notice it; if I miss two days, my colleagues notice it; and if I miss three days, the audience notices it."
Music on the Sabbath
Even on the holy day of Shabbat, Neymark's music finds a place: "The Torah itself says, 'Let us praise the Sabbath with the sound of harps.' I had a funny incident once where my religious neighbors came to my house and asked me to stop playing. I quoted the Torah back to them, and they said, 'Yes, that's right. Go ahead, praise the Sabbath!' After all, people sing on Shabbat, and someone has to accompany them."
Domestic Harmony
Neymark shares his home with his father. Despite being two males living together, they manage the household with ease: "In Israel, cooking is not a problem. No one starves. On the contrary, people only gain weight. I am not a gourmet. I prefer simple food, mostly Israeli cuisine now over Russian."
Aspirations
When asked what he lacks for complete happiness, Neymark answers without hesitation: "A good manager to promote me."
No Regrets
Looking back on his life, Neymark has no regrets about not making a different choice when he had the opportunity: "I am in the right place at the right time. I have a name, an audience, a job, and students. I would like to have more concerts, but every musician wants that."
