Yavor Genov

Lute

The Salzburg Festival 2024
Mozart. Don Giovanni
Bach. St Matthew Passion

Lutenist and musicologist Yavor Genov is renowned for both his solo performances and his mastery as a continuo player. He has collaborated with prestigious ensembles across Europe, performing at major festivals and opera houses like the Salzburger Festspiele and the Berlin Philharmonie. In our talk, he delved into his love for ancient music, sharing a playlist that reflected his current mood.

Why are you interested in ancient music?

Early music offers a wealth of possibilities for exploration, experimentation, discovery, and communication. Since it was performed live, it was not autobiographical in the way music is later in history, and thus it transcends the individual personality.

Music that describes your current state of being?

John Dowland played by Nigel North.

Is it possible to perform Don Giovanni without continuo?

While the basso continuo was still a common performance practice during Mozart’s time, and he often prescribed its use, I believe it’s an essential element for a complete understanding of his music. Regarding your question about performing with or without the composer’s intentions, it’s true that each piece can be interpreted in different ways. However, I find it more rewarding to explore the historical context and strive for a performance that reflects the musical life of the period.

Which famous musician, now passed away, would you most like to talk to?

Josquin des Prez, Francesco da Milano, and Johann Sebastian Bach are all crucial figures in the music continuum. I would love to hear them perform their own compositions.

Music to describe the spirit of Utopia?

Kyrie Eleison and Dies Irae from Mozart’s Requiem.