Backstage: Isabelle Faust
Born in Esslingen in 1972, the violinist Isabelle Faust is renowned for her wide-ranging repertoire that spans from Bach to the modern period, and for her commitment to contemporary music. She began playing the violin aged five and later studied under Dénes Zsigmondy and Christoph Poppen. Following early success in competitions (the Leopold Mozart Prize and the Paganini Prize), she is in demand as a soloist and a chamber musician alike and performs with the world’s leading orchestras. She plays a rare Stradivarius violin from 1704, known as the Sleeping Beauty.
Do you have a special ritual before a performance?
Above all, I try to stick to the schedule I’ve drawn up for myself down to the minute.
Nervous wreck or life of the party?
I have pretty strong nerves, but on rare occasions I can get a bit stressed. Usually, I enjoy sharing music.
What things should definitely always be available backstage?
Water, enough space to unpack, a mirror, a comfortable temperature, running water for washing hands if possible, and a pleasant atmosphere. You don’t want to be feeling down just before the concert …
Final applause, off the stage – and then what? What’s the first thing you do after a performance?
I listen to my fellow musicians and then we go out and celebrate together. If necessary, work on the next programme. Or go to bed if I have to get up very early the next morning.
Who would you like to perform with and why?
For example, with Albert Einstein on the violin, as I’d love to know whether the anecdote is true – the one where Adolf Busch, whilst he was playing with the string quartet, asked him with a laugh whether he couldn’t count to three after he’d missed his cue several times.
Isabelle Faust in the Isarphilharmonie
Text: Gasteig-Redaktion
