Joseph Gotoff is the winner of the 2006
Young Artists' Competition. This profile was written prior to the performance of his winning piece--Lalo's Cello Concerto-- at
the WSO's May 2006 Pops Concert.
how do you feel about the music you're playing?
I love the Lalo Concerto; it's one of the most exciting pieces I
know. There is such a wide range of emotions I can convey throughout
the first movement alone that it's almost an entire piece in itself.
I really have a blast when I'm playing it because it flows so well
and is very dramatic and romantic, just the way I like it. I learned
the Lalo Concerto several years ago, so it's a very familiar and
comfortable piece. It's a really fun piece to play in concert, partly
because it has a Spanish feel to it. It really keeps the audience
on the edge of their seats! It's also challenging for me; I have
to think about everything I want to convey to the audience because
the movement is very complex, constantly changing in tempo and style.
What music do you like to play the most?
I really enjoy almost anything from the Romantic era.
I love playing any piece that has great lyrical melodies that I
can make my own--the Elgar Concerto is a prime example. However,
I also like to have fun when I play, and when I play a piece like
the Lalo, I can really play around with the dramatic figures and
rhythm.
do you have a pre-concert ritual?
Not exactly. I'm usually pretty nervous, because no matter how many
times I may practice a piece, having to play for an audience
always changes the way I feel and think while I'm playing. I try
to calm myself down, and especially review what I want to do with
the music that I'm about to play. I also warm up with simple exercise--scales
and such. Then I just go out there and try to have a good time!
What is your favorite or funniest experience in performance?
Last year at our high school pops concert, I played a movement from
the Elgar Concerto. It's my favorite--one of the most emotion-filled
pieces I know. The fact that I was able to perform it for my family,
friends, fellow students, and teachers was a great experience. I
felt like everyone really responded to the music and what I brought
to it. It was a great concert.
Whom do you admire (composers, players, non-musicians)?
I really admire my first cello teacher, Mrs. Ann Kindig. Without
her, there's no way I could have become the musician I am today.
She taught me that I could bring my own soul to the music, and make
it my own. She has always believed in my potential and encouraged
me to strive for higher goals along the way. I also admire the late
cellist Jacqueline du Pre, who brought a special something to the
music she played that I can only hope to emulate. Of course, I admire
my parents as well for everything they've been willing to give up
so that I could pursue cello. They have supported me all the way,
and I would be nowhere without them.
if you weren't a musician, what would you be?
A doctor. I plan to go into surgery, because I have always
dreamt of helping people--although I will always continue playing
the cello. I plan to major in both cello and premedicine in college.
What made you decide to play the cello?
I started playing the cello in fourth grade. The middle schoolers
came with their instruments to the elementary school and did a demonstration
for us of all the string instruments. As soon as I heard the
cello, I knew it was the instrument I wanted to play.
What is the nicest thing an orchestra has ever done for you?
Just this year I had two concerts on the same night! I was singing
in our high school choir concert, but was supposed to play in the
Bucknell orchestra concert an hour later. Instead of being put in
a position of choosing which concert I would go to, Professor Para,
the conductor of the Bucknell orchestra, allowed me to slip on stage
a little bit late and play in the concert. I was so grateful, since
I really enjoy playing with the Bucknell orchestra and always have
enjoyed the repertoire we play. It was very nice that Professor
Para allowed me to participate in the concert, even though I couldn't
be there on time.
how do you like to communicate with audiences?
Well, I try hard to play to the audience. I feel like if I go on
stage and am timid and shy, it will come out in my playing and the
audience will sense it. Then it's pretty uncomfortable! I try
to go out with the "just do it" mentality, and convey
everything I've worked hard to bring to the music out to the audience.
any interesting hobbies or pets you'd like us to know about? favorite desserts or drinks?
I do a little composing and arranging of pieces, but it's very hard.
I come up with many ideas, but often I find that in the time it
takes to write them down, harmonize, and fill in the other parts,
I could be practicing my other (real) music.
I also love cooking. I make dinner all the time for my family, and
try all sorts of ethnic dishes. Of course, some turn out and
others don't, but it's always fun to experiment with different foods.
And my family appreciates it when it's good!
I would never say no to mint chocolate chip ice cream!
