"Life simply cannot go on without music." - Interview with Ágnes Blastik
We interviewed Ágnes Blastik, a recent graduate of our faculty, who completed her studies in Performing arts, classical harpsichord specialisation. Ágnes came into contact with classical music early on as a child, although the path did not turn out to be smooth for her at first. Finally, at the age of 19, following her high wcholl studies, she found her true passion in the harpsichord, and from that moment, it became clear to her that this was her true calling.
In the interview, she talks about the decisive role her teachers and professors in Szeged played in her development, especially professor Julianna Bereczki, who not only gave her the technical knowledge that was needed, but also helped her a lot with the attitude towards music.
Now she is headed to the Mozarteum, where Salzburg's rich music life and excellent teachers will hopefully open up new horizons for her.
In the interview, we can get a glimpse of Ágnes' musical journey and future plans.
We truly hope that you will consider her story as an inspiration!
- When and how did you come into contact with classical music? At what age did you start playing the harpsichord?
I started playing the piano when I was 7 years old, and initially I did not stick to it at all, I didn't have the patience to practice. As the years passed by, I became more and more certain that this would be my "task". Following high school, at the age of 19, I started learning the harpsichord. That was the moment when it became certain to me, that no matter what happens I have to become a harpsichordist.
- What did you get from Szeged, from your professors here?
Professor Bereczki provided a lot in a purely technical and philosophical aspects of music. She demanded that I’d be refined with the music I play. On top of all that, I am most grateful that the professor did not give up on me, while my other teachers advised me to leave the field. I would also like to mention Professor László Kecskeméti, with whom I studied in chamber classes, and who was always very open to my musical ideas. I also owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Gábor Kovács, who taught me how to really connect with othesr, how to play music freely, without any anxiety; since the energy multiplies when we really listen to each other. I would also like to thank the BBMK for helping me practice with renewed instruments. I am also grateful to the early music ensemble Solis Consort, of which I was a member for two and a half years, and for accepting me, despite the fact that I was still an absolute beginner in the field of the continuo. I learned a lot from them too!
- Do you have competition results?
I have no competition results. My teachers did not encourage competing either. This genre is a bit strange or unknown to me, although I might not be thinking about this question adequately. Perhaps you might think of competitions as another opportunity to let everything through you and convey everything that masters have formulated.
- Do you have a role model who inspires you? Why?
Tibor Benedek, water polo player. He didn't have a good sense of the ball, he didn't have good talents, yet we remember him as an excellent athlete. He managed to defeat himself. If he succeeded, I think I can also succeed in overcoming with the diligence those attributes that hold me back.
- What do you like most about playing the harpsichord?
First of all, I love music, and then, of course, playing the harpsichord!
This instrument is everything to me. It has endless possibilities; it can be lyrical, but it can also handle metal. You should never think about the limitations of an instrument, anything that your imagination allows you is possible. I can be a lute player, a soloist, the bass, the basis of the band. You can play dynamics on it, you just need a technical toolkit, a precise idea and an internal need or desire.
- How did you choose the Mozarteum?
The early music life in Salzburg is very rich, which is why I was attracted there. Florian Birsak will be my future professor, and he is very at home in different styles, and he also teaches fortepiano and organ. I will have plenty of opportunities to play chamber music with baroque instruments, which I really look forward to.
- How do you see classical music being judged these days?
In my opinion, a really narrow group is interested in classical music nowadays. I have to see what I can do for this cause. It definitely helps to talk about this issue with my friends who have no connection to classical music. And on stage, I don't have to take myself so seriously, it doesn't attract anyone if they see my fear.
- What are your long-term goals regarding making music?
I would like to learn a lot more, and i think that this will be my priority for years to come. In the future, I would like to join a band where we can think creatively about music together, but the main thing for me is to be able to play the harpsichord.
- What would you advise someone who is preparing for a career in classical music?
An inner feeling is definitely necessary, which later becomes knowledge that this is our calling! Life cannot go on without music. I'm sure many of us have doubts about whether we are good enough for this profession, but if a person knows deep down that he has a duty to do this, it helps him through every failure and lack of self-confidence.
Thank you for the interview and we wish our former student good luck in her further artistic journey and endeavours!