David Malmberg, guitarist

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music and who or what have been the most
important influences on your musical life and career?

I grew up in a family of professional musicians, so, I was exposed to all genres of music from the
very beginning. My influences were Jazz guitarist Johnny Smith, Simon and Garfunkel, accordionist Art Van Damme and the film music of Elmer Bernstein and Alfred Neumann. At
the age of 12 I was impacted by the success of the Kingston Trio in America and decided to take
up the guitar. My hunger for the guitar grew beyond folk music. However, as folk music underlies much classical music today it was a natural transition to classical music. This happened when I was exposed to the music of Andres Segovia, the great Spanish guitar. And last, but certainly not least, my teacher America Martinez, from the Conservatory of Music in Sevilla, Spain.

What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?

Creating music that is unique and original in a marketplace that is inundated with ‘herd’ behaviour.

Which performances/recordings are you most proud of?

The Fortea Project Volumes I and II. One of only two in the world featuring the music of
Spanish composer and guitarist Daniel Fortea. In addition, Mayan Morning and Andalusian Sojourn. Both solo guitar albums featuring my own original compositions

Which particular works/composers do you think you perform best?

At present, the works of Fortea. He was a student of Francisco Tarrega, so the geneology is
rich. I also carry with me a strong attachment to Renaissance music. Milan, Mudurra and
others.

What do you do off stage that provides inspiration on stage?

Pray.

How do you make your repertoire choices from season to season?

It’s intuitive really. I only play music that speaks to me. I try to keep an open ear as I go through my days, listening for something that might catch my attention. Recently I have been exploring the rhythms of ‘Roma’ a composition by Spanish guitarist Vicente Amigo.

Do you have a favourite concert venue to perform in and why?

Obviously concert venues vary. Give me good lighting, a comfortable temperature and an
acoustically viable room, and I’m happy.

What do you feel needs to be done to grow classical music’s audiences?

Diversity in music. Presenting compositions that have a story to tell, not only sonically, but
cognitively as well. Tell me more about Beethoven’s lead poisoning or his deafness! Or the miscarriage of the wife of Rodrigo causing him to write the Adagio to the Concierto de Aranjuez. It brings the music to life! It also activates both hemispheres of the brain, cognitive and intuitive, creating a complete listening experience.

What is your most memorable concert experience?

Playing a cello suite by Bach and having a complete memory breakdown. I never recovered. In
fact, it still haunts me today! On a positive note, seeing Segovia play to 3000 college students
unamplified in the 70’s. Not missing a note and being able to hear a pin drop in the hall.

As a musician, what is your definition of success?

Excellence in everything I do. Picasso said every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once you grow up. I don’t wish to grow up. May the child always be alive and well.

What advice would you give to young/aspiring musicians?

Do what you love to do. The creative act is a way of being. Your imagination has no limits. The
physical world does. Get beyond the physical in your creativity. Look past the ordinary and seek the invisible.

What’s the one thing in the music industry we’re not talking about which you think we should be?

Classical music, in some corners is occupied by individuals who think that this type of music is superior to all others. Not true. There is art in every genre of music. One must learn and eventually come to know the truth of this matter.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

If one can see that we as humans are a duality, happiness can be determined. If we look for
happiness in the physical dimension, our bodies included, it will be elusive and frankly not at all
attainable. Some say happiness is various points of elation along the way. This is probably misconstruing happiness with emotion. On the other hand, if we observe the human spirit, and
that its natural state is happiness, then our attention should be given to that state of bliss.
Live through the spirit. Reside there. Happiness will be yours because it is unaffected by the
external trappings of life.

davidmalmbergmusic.com