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Interview with Dalibor Miklacic, known in Europe as a masterful classical keyboard performer and improvisationalist and strong revivalist of the pedal piano created in 1785 by none other than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. His lady friend Eva Kras, National Theatre Group in Slovenia. 2007
Summary & Transcript below…
[00:07 → 02:11] Opening Song and Introduction
The video begins with a heartfelt, romantic song that speaks of deep love, commitment, and lifelong companionship, setting a warm and intimate tone. Shortly thereafter, Jason Schwartz, the host, introduces himself and his guest, Dalibor Miklacic, a master keyboard player from Slovenia currently visiting Maui for
vacation. Jason humorously notes the similarity in their names and begins to explore Dalibor’s musical identity, asking whether he considers himself a pianist or keyboardist. Dalibor clarifies that while he is a pianist, he also plays other keyboard instruments such as harpsichord and pipe organ, and prefers the term “keyboardist.” This segment sets up the focus on Dalibor’s diverse musicianship and the unique instruments he plays.
- [02:11 → 05:22] Dalibor’s Musical Background and Passion
Dalibor shares his early musical influences, rooted in a family that loved music despite not being professional musicians. From a very young age, he displayed a natural affinity for music and conducting, sparked by classical symphonies he heard on television. Over time, he expanded his repertoire beyond the piano to include organ, harpsichord, and rare extinct keyboard instruments from the 17th to 19th centuries. His passion lies in reconstructing and playing these historical instruments to resurrect the authentic spirit and original sound of the music from those eras. He emphasizes a holistic sensory experience of music, describing how music engages not only hearing but all senses, creating a deep connection with the soul. This section highlights Dalibor’s dedication to authenticity and his unique approach to music that transcends conventional performance. 
Dalibor recounts how his commitment to music solidified in his teenage years, especially after winning a prestigious European Organ Players Competition at 17. He reflects on the importance of authenticity in art and life, a value instilled partly by his late father, a painter. Dalibor explains the exhilaration of solo performance, where he can spontaneously generate unique interpretations in front of an engaged audience, achieving a state of “flow.” He contrasts this with playing in orchestras, where the collective limits individual spontaneity. Improvisation is a crucial part of his artistry, providing a dynamic and unpredictable element to his concerts. He has also collaborated with vocalists in performances of classical Lied repertoire. This segment underscores the emotional depth and creative freedom Dalibor finds in his solo work and his ongoing exploration of musical expression.- [09:35 → 13:59] Dalibor’s Broader Passions and Pedal Piano Dream
Beyond music, Dalibor expresses a zest for life’s richness, continuously seeking inspiration and embracing challenges that stimulate his mind, body, and soul. He reveals a particular fascination with the pedal piano, an unusual historical instrument played with both hands and feet, for which composers like Mozart, Schumann, and Liszt wrote original music. Despite the scarcity of such instruments today, Dalibor has reconstructed a pedal piano and performed internationally, aiming to popularize and revive this unique repertoire. The physicality of playing the pedal piano demands full-body engagement, which he finds both joyful and artistically fulfilling. This section reflects Dalibor’s adventurous spirit and commitment to expanding the boundaries of keyboard performance. - [13:59 → 15:46] Exploring Maui and Upcoming Performance
Dalibor and his partner Eva have spent their Maui vacation traveling to various locations such as Hana, Lahaina, and Kihei, appreciating the island’s diverse environments. Jason announces a special upcoming event at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, where they will have access to a stored piano to perform. This segment builds anticipation for a live musical experience in a prominent local venue and situates the artists within the vibrant cultural fabric of Maui. - [15:46 → 23:13] Introducing Eva Kras: Actress and Artistic Partner
- [23:13 → 27:32] Life in Maui and Artistic Community
Dalibor and Eva reflect on Maui’s unique character, noting its small size but incredible diversity in landscape, people, and atmosphere. They appreciate the island’s relaxed, safe environment and the unusual blend of residents, from wealthy villa owners to free-spirited hippies, creating a harmonious and inspiring mix not found in major cities like New York or European capitals. Jason highlights Maui’s rich local music scene, mentioning several respected keyboardists and pianists. He expresses a vision of bringing together established artists and newcomers to foster community, mentorship, and artistic innovation with a focus on heartfelt expression and social responsibility. This segment reveals the couple’s connection to Maui’s creative culture and their desire to contribute positively to it. 
Dalibor shares profound insights on how engaging with the arts—music, painting, literature—can awaken compassion and empathy in people, helping them better understand others’ struggles and desires. He believes that art sharpens social awareness and strengthens community bonds, provided the artist’s intentions are constructive rather than destructive. This philosophical reflection reinforces the theme of authenticity and heartfelt expression as central to both life and art, resonating with Jason’s earlier remarks about following the heart.- [30:08 → 40:16] Maui Arts and Cultural Center Venue and Performance
The scene shifts to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, where Dalibor explores the piano and performance space. He immediately connects with the instrument and venue, expressing enthusiasm and envisioning hours of improvisation. He explains the significance of the pedal piano again, noting Mozart’s pioneering work in 1785 to create an instrument played with both hands and feet. Dalibor has reconstructed and performed on his own pedal piano around Europe and aspires to further develop this repertoire globally. The interview ends on a warm note, with playful interaction between Dalibor, Eva, and Jason, underscoring the couple’s affectionate bond and their shared excitement about the future in music and performance. Jason expresses gratitude to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center for their support and reflects on the serendipity of meeting Dalibor and Eva during their vacation. - [40:16 → 43:12] Closing and Emotional Farewell
As the program draws to a close, the trio expresses mutual appreciation and promises to continue exploring diverse artistic topics in future sessions. The segment is lighthearted and intimate, culminating in a symbolic kiss between Dalibor and Eva, emphasizing the theme of love that opened and permeates the entire video. The affectionate ending ties back to the romantic song at the beginning, creating a full-circle narrative of love, art, and connection. 
The video ends with a reprise of the initial romantic song about love, commitment, and lifelong partnership, reinforcing the emotional resonance of the themes explored throughout the interview and performance. This bookends the presentation with a poetic and heartfelt message about enduring love and devotion.
Overall Summary:
This video is a rich, multifaceted exploration of the lives, passions, and artistry of Dalibor Miklacic, a Slovenian master keyboardist, and Eva Kras, a stage actress. Through candid conversation and performance, it delves into Dalibor’s unique dedication to historical keyboard instruments and the pedal piano, his philosophy of authenticity, and the emotional power of music. Eva’s perspective highlights the challenges and joys of acting, personal growth, and the deep connection they share as partners. The setting of Maui provides a vibrant backdrop, offering cultural diversity and a welcoming artistic community. The interview touches on themes of love, challenge, creative exploration, and the transformative power of the arts to cultivate empathy and human connection. The program weaves together music, personal narrative, and philosophical reflection, culminating in a heartfelt celebration of art, life, and love.
Aloha! Welcome to another Mama Presents. You know, I’m Jason. You know me. Long time. Jason Schwartz. Just rolls off your tongue. Well, I’m here with another guy who is incredible. And his name rolls off your tongue just like mine. His name is Dalibor… Dalibor Miklacic. Is that pretty good? Yeah, perfect. I’ll get better in time.
02:38
We’re going to discover who he is together because normally you don’t see him from here down because he’s a master keyboard player. Would you call yourself a pianist, a keyboard player? What do you say that you are? Well, yes, of course I’m a pianist, but I also play harpsichord, pipe organ and all sorts of keyboards. So keyboardist is probably the best expression. And here in Maui, I imagine
03:07
You’re not from Maui, right? That’s true. Where are you from? But I like it here. Good, we’d love to have you. I’m from Europe, from Slovenia. And I just came over to Maui to have three weeks of fantastic vacation. And this is it. And I really never expected I will meet a person like Jason. And well, this is how the life goes. Well, you know,
03:36
Dalibor is a master pianist who is very celebrated in Europe. I want to say he’s a rising star. You’ve been playing for a long time and very celebrated. Tell us a little about your background, if you will, but also where it started from.
03:55
made you have this passion? Because you’re not just a pianist on any piano. We’re going to later be at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center for a special treat. But you really played the finest instruments in the world. So, well, yes, my family background was the one of real music lovers. They were not musicians, but we had a lot of music going on in our house.
04:23
So my dreams about being a musician were rather early in my life already and my mother reports that I always started conducting when I was two or three when there was a classical symphony, TV or anything like this. So later on I started playing piano and organ and harpsichord and later on I found some special instruments which are extintive.
04:53
they do not exist anymore but they existed in the 17th 18th 19th centuries and they were invented to to let the music appear in a different light in a different shape other sound possibilities and i’m working with those instruments nowadays as well i try to reconstruct them as they were years ago to awaken this original or let’s say authentical
05:22
spirit in the music. I love how you said that. Now, did you guys ever think of music and smell the music? Well, we’re going to have a treat, because that sensitivity is… Everyone that’s seen you play has said the same thing. I’ve never seen music being played this way. Well, in my opinion, all senses we have is just the same conglomerate within our
05:53
soul and heart and perhaps I could not express myself as a painter but I do I need paintings I need good architecture I need good literature I enjoy very different styles of music being it pop electronic music being it classical music Renaissance Baroque whatever so yes basically we
06:21
We can experience this world, I think, not by only one of our senses, not just listening to the music, but the whole thing is what we want, isn’t it? Have you been a professional musician all these years as your focused work? I was a teenager when it got clear in my head that I wanted to do music for the rest of my life. I was thinking about being a conductor before as well, but this did not happen. I just decided
06:49
I won a competition for young organists, the European Organ Players Competition, when I was 17. I met my professor from Vienna in Austria, who was a member of the jury in this competition, and I just followed my dream of flow, so I became a musician. But my father was a painter. He passed away already. He was a painter, and this word means a lot to me.
07:19
And, well, yes, so I spoke one word, authenticity. I think we are all very interested about what is really authentic behind what I see. The man in the black shirt, Jason, his real inner world, and my girlfriend, who is really… I was going to say, you have a wonderful girlfriend. You’re talking about all the senses. You’ll meet her later.
07:48
But, you know, there’s a certain thing about you guys, you know, it’s alive, all your senses are alive. It’s a really wonderful experience to be around you guys. So, do you play only, like, for example, with a Maui symphony or like that, or do you play alone? What kind of ways do you play? I’m mostly a soloist. I do play also with any chamber music ensemble, or I do play with orchestras sometimes.
08:18
but it’s a very special thing to be a soloist so to play just one person and to be able to generate during the performance absolutely unexpected things which cannot really happen when there’s an orchestra behind you because they they know how to how to play with shapings to generate in this very moment
08:45
But I am very much a person who gets very, very inspired when there’s the audience. I can practice at home for months and I do have my ideas and visions about these compositions. But when 1,000 or 1,500 people are sitting there, they breathe, they expect something.
09:07
or even better, you already feel they have got something from you already. This inspires more than anything. It’s just flow. And in this state of mind or of soul, things happen, which are quite unexpected sometimes, but they are the best part of this performance. So this is why I very much like to play alone sometimes. I’m also an improviser.
09:35
And, you know, improvising is something that just happens or doesn’t happen. And this is also absolutely the best feeling with the audience. Have you worked at all with vocalists? Yes, I have had some concerts with what the Germans call Lied-Liedersänger. So people who sing Schumann, Schubert, Wolf and these classical
10:00
composers who have written for voice and piano. I did that a lot. I did less of this in the pot. But I did something. Next time, we’ll see. These guys already know that I sing. Especially the guy in the back row. Even I got to know that. Not from you, from the others. So, at some point, I would love, that would be a really great experience. Let’s try it. You know,
10:30
When sitting with a musician, you’re a very colorful and rich person. Your playing speaks for itself. What other passions do you have besides your beautiful lady friend? I think we people are all basically built in the same way. We love to experience the richness of life.
10:55
through all our senses, don’t we? And with our minds and thoughts and everything that comes together, we just love this richness, we love unexpected things, we love things
11:09
which inspire us and challenge us. I think challenge is one of the very very strong words in my life because let’s say I enjoyed extremely here just sitting around with you now in Maui but I know I have challenges at home to do which make my brain, my body, my soul really function. You know these visions and things you know you have to fulfill.
11:35
I feel that same burning inside. It’s a high energy thing. I can see that in you, right? That’s wonderful. What’s your dream? Where do you want to go with your life and your music? Well, I have discovered during the last five years that besides the usual piano that you just play with your hands, there was 150 years ago, 200 years ago, there was a piano that was as funny as it might sound.
12:05
played by your feet and hands simultaneously. This is an experience that makes me extremely happy in both physical and artistic ways because my body just likes being absolutely used. Not just my hands, but everything that moves. And being in between or among all these things that happen kinesthetically in your body
12:34
And on the other hand, there is a fantastic repertoire which was written for these instruments. We call it pedal piano. It’s a piano which you don’t play only with your hands, but with your feet as well. And quite important composers like Mozart, Robert Schumann, then Franz Liszt and many others during the late 18th and 19th centuries wrote original music for this instrument.
13:03
which you have never heard on this instrument, because there are no such instruments. There’s one or two. And this is my dream, to make a career not only as a usual organist, pianist or harpsichordist, but playing pedal harpsichord and pedal piano all around the world. I did it in Europe so far, and let’s see what happens next. Very well. We’re going to have a taste of just you on piano today. That’s true.
13:30
You know, someone’s, I think I may have mentioned to you about Hammond B3, that has pedals, different, this is much more expensive, different sound as well? Yes, of course Hammond does use some pedal keys to add in some basses and so, and this is, of course, a nice example. But this pedal piano has three whole octaves, so it must be 37 keys all together.
13:59
and besides playing these keys… I can’t even think… Did you have to practice to go to the gym to get ready? Not that, but I go every morning to my piano with pedals and practice all these nuances from pianissimo to pianissimo to get all these different shapings of sound out of it and it’s fun. You have to combine these pedal keys which you have to play
14:28
with the three pedals of any piano. You know, every piano has three pedals to sustain the sound. So you have to do both. It’s a great job for my feet, yes. Wow. That’s something. So, you’ve been here in Maui now, I don’t know, better than a week? Ten days, eleven days, twelve days. What have you guys been enjoying?
14:54
Oh, we went to… We have seen, of course, Hana, Lahaina. We are going to Kaleahala tomorrow. We’ll spend some days besides Lahaina and Paia. Yes, of course. And we’ve been to… We are now in Kihei and we’ll stay for some days. We just moved from place to place and try to discover things that we find there.
15:21
But we all know that you can’t do it all in Seattle in one trip, so we’re going to have them back. And like I say, we have a rare treat coming up. We’re going to be at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. They’ve been gracious enough to let us take the piano out of storage so we can use it for play, which is really a treat. Thank you, Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Thank you. Thank you, Rusty.
15:46
You know, talking about Maui and talking about you and Eva, I think we need to bring Eva Kras, your lady friend, on screen with us. What do you think? Sure, sure. I thought that from the beginning. Oh, we’re going to get her. Watch this. The magic of television. The magic of television. Eva Kras, Maui. Aloha. And all over the world, we hope.
16:13
Eva, you are here with Dalibor on vacation, and we could be sitting with you, and if he wasn’t here, first of all, you’re pretty, but you choose beauty, right? Eva is an actress, and how would you describe yourself? Well, I’m what you call here a stage actress. In Europe, we just call ourselves
16:40
I would call myself an actress. I am an actress, but where I’m from, we don’t get so many movies, so basically we’re more focused on stage, and then that’s basically what I do and what’s my passion. Well, you know, when I looked at your website and I saw the different characters, I saw, even without hearing you and seeing you perform, I could see the range that you play. Have you been doing this a long time?
17:08
Well, for maybe four years, very intensively. I’m employed in National Theatre of Maribor in Slovenia and we have seasons, so we’re always casted for whatever the season is bringing. And I’ve been very blessed and I’m extremely thankful because it’s not…
17:33
It doesn’t just fall from the sky. So I really feel that I’m really well taken care of as far as that goes. And I’m really enjoying what I’m doing. That’s wonderful. And I see you guys have a really special relationship. You know, I was trying to be careful. I was thinking, well, you know, here in the States, when you see two stars get together and someone snaps a picture,
18:02
It becomes big news. But I’m very happy to know that in Europe they know that you guys are together. Because I wanted to be respectful of that. I imagine that if someone asked you, which you can see beautiful girl, talented,
18:21
But you would be open to doing a movie, no? Yes? Yeah, absolutely. Of course, I would want it to fit me, not just anything, because I feel that we can all express ourselves when we really vibrate with the thing that we’re doing the best.
18:40
So when I would feel a nudge or a fire inside of me and just I would know I can really do this and I can do really good, I know it would be what people would basically put me and jump for and I would make the best that I can do. Where if you’re doing something that is not in tune with you, I don’t believe it can be…
19:06
as amazing because uh spirit has something to do with it regardless you know i think we all have heard that right that you need to be spirit led in your life depends around here they have all kinds of books that have titles but you know if if you find where your heart is passionate and where you’re going that’s where you do the best right that’s great
19:30
So, I’d ask how you guys got together but I’m sure that’s a private story. What have you been, have you been together and have you explored doing music with her acting? Well, I have to say first when we started dating I went to some of the theatre productions where she was active and I was amazed by her way
20:00
how able she was to switch from the classical repertoire, let’s say Shakespeare, and the very modern theatre. There’s, I guess, correct me if it’s not true, a bit more of improvisation, some monologues just implanted, you know.
20:19
And I react very positively on what she does as an actress, as an artist. And I think she supports me as a musician and she’s interested in how my way of functioning is. Well, this is it. Well, you know, I could see it, you know.
20:40
Sensual guy, Fred Lopez. Yeah, he’s very sensual. Actually, it’s a challenge. You would think that theater and music go together just like that. It’s not as simple because he’s a very demanding person and so am I. So we are very challenged where we’re trying to get close because we’re both very, very sensitive people. So it’s basically almost like a journey.
21:10
to really explore I feel like I am better person every day being with him because he is such a demanding person and I feel that in that way no no no but I feel that in that way my range of my personality is going bigger and I love exploring humans okay that’s why I love acting as well because
21:39
I’m interested in life. I’m interested in everything. I’m interested in good and bad and all those shades in between and I’m crazy enough to actually jump in and swim and that for a little bit just to feel how it feels like. So for that you do need to be a little like, you know, let’s say very positively interested in life. Not to say crazy. Well, you know.
22:07
He likes challenges, so this is good. But, you know, there’s that old thing, if you’re in your comfort zone, you’re not stretching and going. We were just talking this morning about this, and I said that it’s very important to be in the center, but not in your comfort zone, because if you’re in your comfort zone, you won’t move anywhere. And what bothers me most with people in general, and myself,
22:35
is that it’s so easy to be in the comfort zone and it’s so hard to stretch out and to make that extra move where you don’t even know if that home zone is your center.
22:46
So it’s important for me to let the world stretch me because I know and I have absolute faith in myself that I am in my center at all time. When things will come to the point where I will be having a feeling that I’m gonna crush, I know that my center will save me in the sense of I won’t ever lose myself. So I’m not afraid to explore. Well, that’s…
23:13
perfect essence of an actress, isn’t it? Yeah, I feel that. That’s what I like. I like this in her personality very much. Well, I immediately thought, you can feel the life in you. Both of you. Americans, there are lots of them that are, but something from you guys, very special. A level of respect and a level of real depth
23:41
of character and exploration that I really appreciate. And these guys appreciate it. See that guy in the back row? He moved over a little bit. And I appreciate you. Yeah. Well, you know, I think that we could probably talk a long time. What about life in Maui has fascinated you the most?
24:06
You know what? It’s not a big island, but it has so much diversity. It feels like Hana has absolutely different… It’s like a different dimension from Lahaina. And even Kihei is different than, I don’t know, Wailuku or… Everything is different. Everything is different. Weather, people. Yeah. So that’s amazing.
24:32
So this is really Maui country. We are like our own little, we’re like a kingdom, huh? Yeah, and it feels like people from all over the world are here, which is, again, amazing for such a small place. Also, what surprises me and makes me feel comfortable that I feel very safe here. People are very relaxed for, like, I don’t know, it’s still the States, but everything is just…
24:58
nice i don’t feel endangered good we like that what amazes me here so much is this incredible mixture of people who are let’s say extremely successful rich and just own one or 15 villas here on the island on the other hand there are people who just don’t care they’re hippies they they just follow other ideals and you find all things here in a very special mixture because i think
25:28
The ones influence a little bit the others. And this is what you will not find in the same way in New York City. You will not find it in Europe. It’s just special. I think it’s Maui. Well, we hope that you will come back again to Maui. And we’re going to be going there. They don’t know it yet. But we’re going to Slovenia and to Europe to come celebrate your successes. That’s what we’d like to do.
25:58
you know and i was told this morning someone said to me and i think i mentioned it earlier um you know people around here that have heard me sing
26:21
have wanted to have me be with people that have the sensitivity. There’s a couple of people here that I really respect that are players. I don’t know if you’ll get to meet them this time. There’s a gentleman named Matt Cain, and Sal Dedinas, and Gene Argell. There are so many incredible… George Tavey. We have an extraordinary… Folk Tshambi.
26:45
keyboard players and pianists that are magical. We have an incredible music community here. At some point in the future we want to have stars and newcomers together sharing their passion of their music and their art and to be able to affect positive change in the world. I just know that
27:09
I want to see you guys part of that. So we’re going to be like turning on a little switch and giving the world a slightly different view of artists and musicians who feel a level of responsibility and commitment to the world where they want to be giving back. Mentoring new people coming along and also bringing new things to the people of the world.
27:32
showing their heart. I remember when I was a little boy, they used to caution me, you have to think from your head, not from your heart. As I’m getting older, I think they were completely wrong. I think and act from my heart. And my head knows what to do, but it’s my heart that’s my guide. I see that in you guys.
28:00
I’d ask you to do a little bit of acting for us, but I’m saving it. Thank you. Thank you. And I’d ask you to play keyboard, but you don’t have to. But you’re not saving this. We’re going to take a little change. We’re going to go to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. And the next time you’ll see these three of us, we will be there at the piano in the Maui Arts and Cultural Center for a special little quiet trip to the back. And is that good for you?
28:31
Perfect. We’re looking forward to it. So we will see you in a minute. So what were you just saying? We’re back for another one. You just mentioned how important it is to act from our hearts, our feelings, and I just, I mean, the arts.
28:52
Do this. This is why the arts, music, painting, literature can achieve what many other things in our lives cannot achieve. How to really awaken the compassion? Not that easy, but it happens. When I listen to Mozart or Chopin or Bach or not important which composer, it just happens and you get better.
29:19
you start understanding other people, their needs, their challenges, their disasters, their longing for something and I think working with art, if you are just not a very destructive person, working with art
29:38
means sharpening your sense for the community, for other people. And that’s why I’m especially glad to have met you. Okay? Thank you. I feel the same. Okay, you guys ready? We’re going to make the switch. So, you know how you can confirm.
30:08
This would be a great place for you. Yeah, I think so. Yeah. Let’s see. I know we’re going to have more light here in a moment. Yeah, I think we need more light. Yeah. Oh, what a nice shot that is. Is that the one one expects? But we can turn it around many times then. Oh, sure. We’re fine. We can go in circles for about an hour. Ha, ha, ha. Ha, ha, ha.
30:38
I just want to see what’s going to be good when you sit and play and so I can be able to see your hands and what you’re doing. Find whatever is good for you. Sure.
31:09
Okay.
31:47
So,
32:32
Thank you.
33:05
What? Yeah.
33:37
Amen.
34:09
. . .
34:40
So,
35:12
A very nice piano.
35:35
the same piano once more. And it has… A double piano, you’re talking. It has 37 cellos. …to play a duo. Oh, yeah? Two people… She sits here, I sit here, and four hands. Yeah, you play chopsticks together at best. No, not yet. Not yet. She already can play…
36:02
I don’t want to brag about that one. Perfect. I was enjoying. So, now I’m sitting here with you and your Steinway.
36:31
and your beautiful lady. So you know, there is never enough time to explore the full depth of people, especially like you guys, so I’m gonna reserve the right to do a little more video today so that we can talk about all kinds of different subjects. Would that suit you guys? Good, good, good, good. So what did you discover here, Dalibor, when you saw the place here, what do you think?
37:02
Well, it’s an awesome, really fantastic hall. And I didn’t know before what to expect, which piano I would find here, and you witnessed it, you were here. I started playing around a little bit, I just wanted to connect myself with the piano, and I love it. It’s real, yeah, I could improvise for hours here and play, and it’s a fantastic venue, it’s a fantastic place to be here, to…
37:32
I told you earlier today in this interview that I especially have the ability to react with the audience. This is what makes me alive, and well, yeah, this is it. This would be a great hall for you. Now, you play the pedal organ, which is, like you say, these are instruments that don’t exist. Tell us a little about that, because that’s your specialty. That’s really the direction you’re going.
38:00
Yeah, this is really a tricky chapter within the history of music. It was Mozart himself, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who in the year 1785 suddenly had the idea to build a piano, not only with keys you play with your hands, but also with a pedal keyboard that you play with your feet. And there are a lot of
38:26
concert programs, he did that with his instruments. So we know what he played, what he improvised. And there are a lot of voices saying how fantastic this was. Just the instrument is not existing anymore. So I have to start this rediscovering of this repertoire.
38:47
I reconstructed the first version of my pedal piano, which I own, which I have at my home, and I practice with it, and I play concerts with it all around Europe. I did concerts for, I don’t know, Royal College in London, in Scandinavia, in Sweden, in Germany, in France, everywhere. But I think I would have to build another piano which would be really similar to the historic ones to be able to explore this music and to make it come really
39:17
to the audience. And it’s fun playing it. You just use all tentacles you have. Everything. Tentacles. You know, it has been a real treat to be here. I’m going to come in from behind. I don’t know how to do this. Come. No, no, no, no, no, no. There we go. I just want to squeeze in. You know, one thing I must say. Here I am. You guys, your love is like, you know, like juicy.
39:46
Juicy, juicy. I hope it stays this way forever. It only gets better and better. Thank you. Now, I think that we’re going to have to come back and bring these guys back for some more because it’s just not enough. So I look forward to it. We’ll do some more talking, but you definitely need to come back here. This venue is calling your names, both of you. And I’m sure that you could also do great production here, huh?
40:16
Yeah, I’m pretty sure. It’s an amazing theater. Yeah. See how lucky we are here on Maui? We’re very fortunate. Thank you, Rusty, for letting us use this hall here at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center and for making this all possible. And thank you for all the work and
40:32
the years you put in and the sensitivity that you give to all that you’re doing. You know, Jason, it’s just we came here to have three weeks of doing nothing and then we met you. So this explains it. It’s just a miracle. The magic of Maui. I would put it like that. Well, we are happy to be here with you. You’re giving us a gift that will last a long time and we’re going to do more of this
41:02
Thank all you for watching us, and we hope to see you again. Aloha. Aloha. A little taste of the Chopin, just for you. Excuse me a moment. There’s some guy talking from off camera.
41:17
We should be ending this TV show the way it began, with the sensual nature between you two, because it is very special. I think we need to end this with a kiss. Don’t you? Not me and you. You guys. I’ve heard something similar in the previous interview with you. Well, you know, it’s like a theme. It’s a continuing theme. Love is a beautiful thing, and you guys are glowing. What do you say we end it with a kiss? What do you think, Maui?
41:47
They agree with me. So let’s see what we can do. Thank you guys for joining us. It was a pleasure. Aloha. Aloha.
42:10
So this has been a treat to have you guys here. It’s just a little bit too short. You know, I think we would like to keep you, but you must go home. I know that’s really going on. So thank you for being here. You really have just been a joy to share time with. Well, thank you. You know what I think we should be doing? Ending this the way we started it, with a kiss. What do you think? Mmm.
42:42
Wow, thank you. Thank you. Blow that kiss again. We want to see that again. Oh. Oh, perfect. Thank you, guys. Aloha. Aloha.
