Rodolfo Richter

Where were you born?
In Curitiba, Brazil.

Where do you live?
In London, UK.

Why did you start playing music?
There was always music at home, either my father playing live chamber music with friends or him listening to records. Music spoke directly to me, made me discover new emotions, took me to a different reality, and opened my mind to new possibilities.

What is your favourite instrument?
Difficult question. I like music; it doesn’t matter what the instrument is. But if I have to choose one, it will be the violin (closely followed by the organ, cello, and horn).

What music did you listen to as a child?
I was always curious, so I would listen to anything and everything I could get hold of. Haydn, Vivaldi, and Beethoven were my first heroes as a kid, quickly replaced by Berg, Monteverdi, Wagner, and Boulez as a teenager. Only one remained constant: J. S. Bach!

What was your first record?
Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas with Arthur Grumiaux.

What musical period would you like to live in?
I would love to be able to experience many different musical periods, from watching Bach rehearsing at the Café Zimmermann to having a drink with Schoenberg and Berg in Vienna. However, I’m a product of my time and wouldn’t exchange now for any other period.

Where do you prefer to listen to music?
At home.

Where can we find you when you are not making music?
You can’t.

Where did you study?
Mainly in Curitiba and São Paulo, then in Chicago and London.

What awards have you received?
First prize at the Antonio Vivaldi violin competition in Turin.

Who is your favourite composer?
Again, music is what fascinates me, and composers are just different possibilities for how music can be experienced. If I had to narrow the list, I would go for those who I think combined great intellect with human emotions close to perfection: Bach and Berg.

Which composer would you like the public to rediscover?
There are so many… But right now, I would love it if people would listen to Schoenberg without prejudice; after all, his music is now “old music”!

What was your first recording?
Erlebach: 6 sonatas for violin, gamba, and basso continuo.

What is your favourite recording? (Passacaglia, with you)
Vienna 1905–1910: string quartets by Webern, Schoenberg, and Berg.

What is your favourite Passacaille recording? (Passacaille, other artist)
Bach: Cantatas BWV 146, 103, & 33 with Il Gardellino.

Who do you dream of recording with? (realistic or not)
With all my friends, too many to list here, in a unique new ensemble

Which piece have you never recorded but would like to?
My first piece for violin and piano: “Un coup de dés”

What do you do before a concert?
Eat.

What do you do after a concert?
Eat and drink.

What would you do if you were not a musician?
Nothing.

Is there anything important to add?
Keep listening to the music.