Guido The Search for Inspiration
Each month, we ask our Artist of the Month about the influences that move them in life, what drives them to create their art, and what lessons we might glean from their experiences. Today, we explore the themes of film, music, and painters with GUIDO.
FILM
Shine (1996)
This biographical drama offers a glimpse into the life of young pianist David Helfgott. The film chronicles his youth as a musical prodigy under the intense pressure of his domineering father. David seizes the opportunity to study in London, but the overwhelming stress leads to a mental breakdown, resulting in his institutionalization. Years later, with the support of friends and his future wife, he gradually rekindles his passion for music and returns to the stage. The narrative is beautifully underscored by a soundtrack prominently featuring Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto.
“Guido, thank you for sharing your sources of inspiration with us. You mentioned Shine as a significant influence. Could you elaborate?”
“It was my grandmother who recommended this film while I was studying at the conservatory in England, and I was immediately captivated. Perhaps you’ve experienced that feeling when, after watching a particular film, you’re so moved by someone else’s passion that it reflects back on you and gives you a boost yourself.”
“Could you explain what you mean by that?”
“Primarily, the profound passion for music,” he responds. “David was immersed in music day in and day out, which mirrored my own experience at the time. But what drew me most to the film was its score. Around that period, I was listening extensively to Rachmaninoff, and this film, alongside original compositions and works by Chopin and Schumann, is predominantly framed by Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto. That music essentially weaves the entire film together.”
“And in what way does Rachmaninoff’s music resonate so deeply with you?”
“It’s inherently cinematic, layered with intense emotion. There’s a distinctive quality to that Russian style, akin to Tchaikovsky, but for me, it’s incomparable to what Rachmaninoff has put on paper. It’s a completely different approach to conveying emotions, which I believe planted a seed for me to delve into composing film scores later on.”
Interview continues below the video
“Beyond the exquisite music,” I interject, “this film also delivers a motivational narrative emphasizing that if you truly desire something in life, you must be willing to sacrifice everything and pursue it wholeheartedly. Do you see that reflected in your own journey?”
“Absolutely. While the story is more extreme than my own experiences—I was fortunate to have a supportive family without a threatening father figure—there are definitely elements in the film where I see myself. Pursuing a dream, for instance. After watching that film, all I could think was, ‘This is it, I’m going all in.’
“It’s quite astonishing to witness his complete collapse, but even more inspiring is how he rises from his own depths to play and perform again, albeit on a different level than before. The scene that genuinely moved me is when David Helfgott receives applause, and you can see him thinking: ‘Okay, I’m here. People are clapping. But I’m nowhere near the pianist I should have become.’ Bottom line? Always follow your dreams.”
MUSIC
Keith Jarrett – The Köln Concert (1975)
“We already talked about in our most recent interview,” he begins, “but when I first heard The Köln Concert, I was instantly hooked. Keith Jarrett’s style was hard for me to categorize. It wasn’t pop, nor classical, nor jazz, but a beautiful mixture that immediately resonated with me; defying all genres.”
“What specifically drew you in?” I ask.
“Initially, the fact that it was solo piano. I had previously listened to a lot of jazz music, but foremost bands. Additionally, as a drummer, I was fascinated by the incredible rhythms Jarrett effortlessly produced. Later, I studied several analyses on YouTube, and the insights were fascinating. On one hand, his remarkable technique, and on the other, the raw emotions he pours into his improvisations. As a child, I found that truly special.”
“And let’s not forget the entire backstory leading up to this concert”, I add.
“Indeed,” he begins. “It’s another legendary tale. He arrived quite late at the venue, expecting a different grand piano, only to find a poor-quality substitute. Initially, he didn’t want to perform but decided at the last moment to go on stage and abandon his setlist. He had to navigate around the keys that weren’t functioning properly. What makes it truly remarkable is that it’s an improvisational concert, yet when you listen back, it could very well be composed pieces.”
The Köln Concert was recorded that evening by ECM and released in its entirety. To this day, it remains the best-selling solo piano album in jazz history and the best-selling solo piano album overall.
Painters
March Chagall (1887 – 1985)
Over the past few years, Guido has composed music for a recurring documentary series about artists, presented by Jeroen Krabbé. “If there’s one thing that unites these artists, it’s their perseverance,” he shares.
I ask him which artist left the most lasting impression and why.
“I found it fascinating to delve into Picasso and Kahlo, but Marc Chagall’s life story has stayed with me the most. This Jewish-Russian artist faced numerous hardships. He fled his homeland due to the oppressive regime and ended up in Paris, where he first gained significant recognition. Years later, he had to flee the same city abruptly during World War II, during which some of his artworks were looted by the Nazi regime”, he summarizes. “That’s unbelievable, if you ask me!”
“But what I admire most about him is his unwavering perseverance. While all the artists featured in that documentary series became truly renowned posthumously and faced their own challenges, I always look at Chagall with great admiration. Continuing to push forward, to keep trying, is a crucial lesson I’ve taken from him. And when things get tough in my own life, I think of him. It can always be worse.”
