Classical pianist performs at Spray General Store

The old Spray General Store has undergone a major transformation.

As the recipient of the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant in 2022, the old General Store underwent a significant renovation and restoration project, which was completed late last year.

But equally impressive is the new life that has been breathed into the building.

On May 22, classical pianist Daniel Adam Maltz performed at the General Store. Here is a question and answer with the artist:

Q: Tell us about your style of music and why you like to play it.

A: I specialize in Viennese Classicism - the musical era of Mozart and Beethoven. Their keyboard music was written to be played on Viennese fortepianos - early pianos that are much different than today's pianos. There are many musical and technical reasons why fortepianos are different, but the most important thing is they are much more intimate and sensitive instruments. Today's 2,000-seat concert halls didn't exist and Mozart and Beethoven's music was intended for much, much smaller spaces.

Mozart and Beethoven's musical language takes advantage of the Viennese fortepiano's unique characteristics, and I perform using the era's performance practices, which aren't generally used by modern pianists, so concert attendees will experience this music in a completely new way.

These composers experienced our same emotions and put them into the music. Also, Classical-era music speaks to me because it philosophically emphasizes balance, harmony, and beauty. These ideals are timeless and the result is music that is still engaging and evocative today.

Q: What inspires you?

A: I enjoy sharing and engaging with this music with as many different types of audiences as possible. I love when people tell me that they've never experienced Classical-era music this way before and that it suddenly makes more sense to them. I also visit 20+ universities each year and love seeing students' eyes light up and the expansion of their musical horizons in real time.

Q: What would you like viewers to come away with when they hear your music?

A: This music was originally heard in private homes, not in today's 2,000 person venues, so I hope attendees will have a lovely human experience together by experiencing this concert in Spray's more intimate space.

While live-streaming has afforded so many more people the opportunity to experience concerts at home, there is nothing quite like the energy of being in the same room with your community and sharing in an artistic experience.

Classical music has the unfortunate stigma of being overly-intellectual and unapproachable, but I really think this couldn't be further from the truth. These great composers aren't just dusty figures in a history book. They were flesh and blood human beings who experienced the gamut of life's emotions and put them into their music to connect us all.

Q: What is your ideal audience?

A: There is no such thing as an ideal audience. I enjoy going to small towns and big cities alike. Anyone with an open mind and open heart will take something from this concert.

The concert will be interactive: I'll discuss the instrument and introduce each piece so newcomers and connoisseurs alike can follow along. After the concert, attendees can come ask me questions and take a closer look at the fortepiano.

Q: Describe how you learned your skills.

A: I attended two of Europe's most respected music schools, but more important is my close relationship to the city of Vienna and its instruments. By walking the streets, visiting the places important to these composers, immersing myself in their language, culture, art, and philosophy, I can better align my inner ethos to these composers and be a better vessel for bringing their music to life.

I am one of very few who ONLY play on the fortepiano. Immersing myself completely into the sound world of this instrument and its style lends a greater degree of musicality, spontaneity, and fun into the music that audiences enjoy.

Q: What other interests do you have besides music?

A: I am passionate about 18th-century art and literature, but I also love to cook because it's a great creative outlet and a way to explore world cultures.

Q: Describe your progression into your art. Are you a full-time musician or do you hold another job? If so, what is that job?

A: I am extremely grateful to make a living completely from touring. It is a crazy life – this year I am performing in over 70 cities!

As far as I know, I'm the only fortepianist touring as extensively as I do. Through touring, university residencies, and online videos, I reach 150,000 people each year.

Touring life is an 80+ hour per week job, but I am passionate about introducing people to these gorgeous Viennese fortepianos and presenting the music of Mozart in Beethoven in a new light.