The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

On April 11th, violin virtuoso Jack Glatzer visited the Big Sandy School Music Program. Glatzer performed various pieces and taught the students about performance, music history, and the violin. The guest teacher/performer is a world class violinist, who has played in prestigious venues like the Sydney Opera House with the world famous conductor Saint Neville Marriner and the Academy of Saint Martin's in the Fields, the National Arts Centre, the Hong Kong Arts Centre, and the Jubilee of the Queen in London. Jack has played for Big Sandy students several times over the years, both during Mr Bond's tenure as the music teacher and during that of his predecessor, Amanda Robertson.

The classroom portion of Glatzer's day began in the High School and moved on to the Elementary School later in the day. His performances for the students included selections from Bach, Paganini, and others. The playing portions demonstrated the difference between playing music with feeling in contrast to simply playing the notes with technical proficiency. In portions of his talk surrounding Paganini, the musician demonstrated the versatility of the violin, at times making the instrument sound like bagpipes, brass instruments, and the flute. He also played excerpts from pieces demonstrating the ability of the instrument to convey scenes from stories. As an audience member, I was entranced by the beauty, subtlety, and passion of the musician's performance. In particular, I was taken by his demonstration of contrast between the baroque stylings of Bach and the brilliant techniques of Paganini's violin playing and composition. Students asked questions at the conclusion of Jack's talk, which provided space for Glatzer to play different pieces and demonstrate concepts, not only through explanations, but also through performance.

Glatzer explained that the visit is part of his current tour, playing concerts and visiting classes. "I usually give about three or four major tours that can last two or three weeks.I have 30 concerts here in Montana. That's because my wife and I love the state so much." Jack talked at length about their love for the beauty and serenity of our state. In addition, he explained that Helena is always a treat to visit. "We love Helena so much. And there's a fine violin maker there, and I wait until I can get to him to have even a slight repair done. We're going there in two or three days. The most wonderful acoustics are in the Cathedral of St. Helena." Though Jack is not playing in the cathedral during this tour, he explained: "I have played there many times and that's one of my greatest memories, including playing in places like the Sydney Opera House."

Jack explained that visiting smaller settings to play and teach about the violin are amongst the things he enjoys when touring. "I just like talking to them and showing them the significance of classical music, because they don't get a lot unless they get it at a good school like this. This is quite unusual." Over the last few years, Jack has done less educational work, shifting toward opportunities to play for seniors, particularly those in care facilities. "The most meaningful thing I'm doing now is playing for elder citizens in these residential homes. It's astonishing, particularly when I play for people who are very handicapped, cognitively speaking. They come in and they're not there. They're somewhere far away. I say 'hello' to them, and they don't really remember what you do when somebody says 'Hello'. By the end, we're hugging each other and they're talking. I mean, it sounds as if I'm making this up, but it is so dramatic. Because we know now with neuroscientists, how music enters the brains of people and releases things that had been closed up. When you think of being 80 or 90 years old and closed to much of life, your mobility or your earning capacity, or being in society, to have that open, even for a few minutes is such a wonderful thing. It's a privilege, I really mean it. These lovely old ladies say I just want to give you a hug... It's astonishing. I love that."

Glatzer was born in Dallas, the son of a Hungarian immigrant. He has been a professional musician since around 1968. In recent years, solo violin has become his primary field of performance. He lived in Portugal for many years and played throughout Europe, as well as venues all over the world. You can find more information about Glatzer, his music, tour dates, and other work on his website http://www.jackglatzer.com.