By Jathan Janove (Guest Contributor)–
Concert violinist, conductor, and Distinguished Professor of Violin at Carnegie Mellon University, Andres Cardenes (see his website at: http://www.andrescardenes.com/) and I go back a great many years, to when we both lived in Salt Lake City and Andres was Concertmaster of the Utah Symphony.
Given the choice of anyone, whom would you want as a dinner guest and what would you talk about?
Eugene Ysaye He was a monumental concert violinist in the late nineteenth and early 20th centuries. He created a revolution in violin playing. He was also my teacher, Josef Gingold’s teacher. I feel like I’m Ysaye’s descendant and have tried to emulate him, including his diversity as a conductor, composer and chamber musician.
I would absolutely love to discuss his life with him.
What’s something in your life for which you feel grateful?
My two children. Practically from the womb, I’ve enjoyed our relationship. It’s been great watching them grow into real people, people whom I’ve learned from. And I love the fact that while they’re both well-rounded students with diverse interests, they’re passionate musicians.
If the current you could provide real-time advice to a younger you, what would it be?
Where do I begin?? If I had to pick one thing, it would be patience. As a young man, I was extremely impatient, which probably helped me advance my career as a concert violinist but didn’t make me very well-rounded as a human being. At age 62, I have a broader focus on life. It’s more than how good a musician I am. It’s what’s around me that really matters.
I would say to my younger self, “Stay intense, focused and ambitious. But be more aware of and make more room for what’s around you.”
What would you change about the way you were raised?
We were immigrants from Cuba and my parents were fiercely determined to succeed in America. Their work ethic was off the charts, and they maintained a very strict household. Although they were very supportive, I would have liked a little more flexibility.
With my kids, it isn’t simply me laying down the law. While I provide the necessary guidance, I’m always interested in hearing their opinions.
What’s a treasured memory?
Three things: (1) the birth of my daughter; (2) the birth of my son; and (3) acquiring my first Stradivarius.
What’s an embarrassing moment in your life you’re willing to share?
When I was a freshman at the Indiana University School of Music, I played in the pit orchestra for the opera. One evening before the program began, I spotted a good-looking violinist. Trying to appear rakishly cool, I leaned against a pillar while chatting her up. When I stood away from the pillar, she said, “What happened to your tuxedo?!”
That’s when I learned that some kind of hydraulic fluid had been slowly leaking down the pillar and dripping onto my tux. Frantically, I rushed to the bathroom. But I couldn’t get that gunk off. What’s worse, it stunk. In the orchestra pit, you play in close quarters. For the rest of the evening, my scent produced a lot of hostile looks from fellow musicians.
So much for my career as Don Juan.
Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make one final dash. What would you save?
Fortunately, I’ve already digitized all of my photos and stored them off-site. No question, I’d grab my violins and bows. To me, these aren’t just musical instruments; they’re works of art.
Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time that you haven’t yet done?
I’d like to conduct brain surgery. I’ve long had a passion for neurology and love studying it. One of the charities I support focuses on potential neurological cures of paralysis.
I have several friends who are MDs and amateur violinists. I tell them, “If you can be an amateur violinist, why can’t I be an amateur neurosurgeon?” After all, like a surgeon, I can’t afford to have shaky hands.
However, I have to admit that if I operate on someone’s brain with the same level of skill as some of MD friends play violin (No names!) . . . . Let’s just say you might feel sorry for the patient.
What do you find spiritual in life?
I find spirituality in music. It’s not simply entertainment. When I’m on stage looking out at the audience, I undoubtedly see people who are in pain, suffering or have experienced loss. For two hours, I can help create peace in their hearts. It’s a way of giving from musician to audience member. To me, it’s a form of prayer.
In my younger days, I obsessed about being perfect – performing without making a single mistake. That was self-focused.
When I perform now, if I hit a wrong note now and then, it’s okay so long as the audience has a meaningful experience. It’s no longer about accolades. Those are in the rearview mirror. Today, it’s about connection.
Jathan Janove is Principal of Janove Organization Solutions, http://jathanjanove.com. Through consulting, executive coaching and training, he works with employers to create fully engaged workplace cultures. He also practiced law in Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon.
