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David Dubal
Pianist David Dubal hosts WQXR's Wednesday-night program
Reflections From the Keyboard and is the author of numerous books,
including The Art of the Piano, Evenings With Horowitz, and
The Essential Canon of Classical Music. Dubal served as music director of
WNCN radio from 1967-90, holds degrees from Ohio State University and
Juilliard, and has been a faculty member since 1983.
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| David Dubal with his cat, Blue Boy, a two-year-old British Shorthair Blue. (Photo by Jung Lin) |
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When did you first know you wanted to be a musician and how did you come to
know it?
From the moment I heard the sound of the piano, I was captivated. At age 7, I
was taken on visits to relatives who had a grand piano. I would sit in a
trance making sounds from the minute I entered until we left. But it was two
years later that, on one fine day, my parents bought a piano. Since that
moment, the piano has never been out of reach.
Who was the teacher or mentor who most inspired you when you were growing
up and what did you learn from that person?
Mostly I was self-sustained. But at 13, I met a Juilliard graduate who began
teaching me. His name is James Streem, and he had a fine teaching career at
Florida State University. Unlike my first teacher, Streem played for me a
great deal, and I remember almost fainting when I heard him play Scriabin for
me.
What was the first recording that you remember hearing or buying? What was
its significance to you?
The Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1, with Vladimir Horowitz and Arturo
Toscanini. Little did I know that I would get to know Horowitz very well, and
write my book Evenings With Horowitz
(which has just been reprinted by Amadeus Press, and includes a CD of talks
with him).
What's the most embarrassing moment you've had as a performer?
I've had many embarrassing moments that I'd prefer to forget.
If you could have your students visit any place in the world, where would
it be, and why?
There are many places I would recommend, but I remember a special awe when I
visited the cemetery in Vienna where Beethoven and Schubert rest close to each
other.
What are your non-music related interests or hobbies? What would people be
surprised to know about you?
At age 4, my first artistic memories were of drawing. The smell of oil paint
has always been delicious to me, and to this day, I draw and paint.
What is your proudest accomplishment in life?
My years with so many gifted people at The Juilliard School.
What "words of wisdom" can you offer young people entering the field today?
Be humble, be a servant to the art, diversify—and stay with it.
Is there anything you'd like to add?
Like the arctic wolf, stay alert, stay loose, and be ready to take what comes
your way.
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