April 1, 2025
Four Questions For...
Pianist Martin James Bartlett
Martin James Bartlett makes his debut at the San Francisco Symphony with a Shenson Spotlight Series recital, April 9
Martin James Bartlett achieved early success as the winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2014. He was subsequently awarded first place at the 2019 Young Concert Artists International Auditions and the Prix Serdang in 2022. An exclusive Warner Classics recording artist, his most recent release on the label, La Danse, features works by Couperin, Debussy, Hahn, Rameau, and Ravel.
Tell us a little about what you’re playing in your Spotlight Series recital.
This recital program is very special to me. We begin with Couperin’s bucolic, bubbling Les Baricades mysterieuses, apparently inspired by feet stomping grapes for wine, followed by Rameau’s rambunctious, positively groovy Gavotte and Doubles. Schumann’s Kinderszenen is a piece that has been very close to my heart. It’s such a wonderful journey, full of beauty, wit, and charm. It’s a piece that I have so much joy playing, enjoying every masterful twist and turn. In striking contrast, Ravel’s La Valse is always a thrilling culmination. I like programmatically that we begin with two Baroque French dances and end this recital with another French dance but in a wildly different style and mood.
Were there any artists or teachers that had a significant impact on your decision to pursue a career in music?
I have been extremely fortunate to study under wonderful, inspirational professors. I first began lessons at age six with my mother. Within a year she had me ready to continue studying at the Royal College of Music, where I met Emily Jeffrey, with whom I studied for over a decade. She is an incredible pedagogue but also a deeply caring and generous person. She taught me far more than how to play the piano; many important life lessons came through those formative years, and I shall forever be indebted for the dedication and joy that she brought to my musical and personal life.
Story continues below...
Tell us a little about what you’re playing in your Spotlight Series recital.
This recital program is very special to me. We begin with Couperin’s bucolic, bubbling Les Baricades mysterieuses, apparently inspired by feet stomping grapes for wine, followed by Rameau’s rambunctious, positively groovy Gavotte and Doubles. Schumann’s Kinderszenen is a piece that has been very close to my heart. It’s such a wonderful journey, full of beauty, wit, and charm. It’s a piece that I have so much joy playing, enjoying every masterful twist and turn. In striking contrast, Ravel’s La Valse is always a thrilling culmination. I like programmatically that we begin with two Baroque French dances and end this recital with another French dance but in a wildly different style and mood.
Were there any artists or teachers that had a significant impact on your decision to pursue a career in music?
I have been extremely fortunate to study under wonderful, inspirational professors. I first began lessons at age six with my mother. Within a year she had me ready to continue studying at the Royal College of Music, where I met Emily Jeffrey, with whom I studied for over a decade. She is an incredible pedagogue but also a deeply caring and generous person. She taught me far more than how to play the piano; many important life lessons came through those formative years, and I shall forever be indebted for the dedication and joy that she brought to my musical and personal life.
Story continues below...
What’s your routine like on concert days? Do you have any special rituals that help you get ready for a performance?
I’ve tried them all! The preconcert nap, the banana for a potassium fix, the gloves, and warming of hands with a hairdryer…To me the most important thing is to be in a good mindset and depending on the day that can mean different routines and rituals. Sometimes I like to be left alone so I can focus and rest. Sometimes I like to keep nattering with people backstage until it’s time to go on. The one thing I can’t do without is a good night’s sleep, that much is a constant!
What are some of your interests outside of music and how do they influence your creativity and artistic expression?
I’ve been very interested in cooking in the last few years. Since I received my first paycheck, I would venture out to try new restaurants and cuisines. I’ve been inspired, and for the sake of my bank balance, to attempt to recreate some of these delicious experiences at home! When I’m not at the piano you can often find me pottering around the kitchen, no recipe in sight, improvising dishes for friends and family—usually with a glass of wine in hand.
I take much inspiration from visual art. On rest days I like to take a stroll through the National Gallery in London. To be able to travel from the Renaissance through Impressionism within an hour is my version of artistic time travel! I’ve also recently embarked upon a pilgrimage to see all the known works of Caravaggio. That’s brought me to Rome and Valletta thus far and it’s been awe-inspiring and enlightening.
I’ve tried them all! The preconcert nap, the banana for a potassium fix, the gloves, and warming of hands with a hairdryer…To me the most important thing is to be in a good mindset and depending on the day that can mean different routines and rituals. Sometimes I like to be left alone so I can focus and rest. Sometimes I like to keep nattering with people backstage until it’s time to go on. The one thing I can’t do without is a good night’s sleep, that much is a constant!
What are some of your interests outside of music and how do they influence your creativity and artistic expression?
I’ve been very interested in cooking in the last few years. Since I received my first paycheck, I would venture out to try new restaurants and cuisines. I’ve been inspired, and for the sake of my bank balance, to attempt to recreate some of these delicious experiences at home! When I’m not at the piano you can often find me pottering around the kitchen, no recipe in sight, improvising dishes for friends and family—usually with a glass of wine in hand.
I take much inspiration from visual art. On rest days I like to take a stroll through the National Gallery in London. To be able to travel from the Renaissance through Impressionism within an hour is my version of artistic time travel! I’ve also recently embarked upon a pilgrimage to see all the known works of Caravaggio. That’s brought me to Rome and Valletta thus far and it’s been awe-inspiring and enlightening.
