Pablo (Pau) Casals Interview and Performance (1955)

In a home interview in Prades, France, cellist Pablo Casals discusses his musical philosophy, early life, and exile from Franco’s regime with former student Madeline Foley. Set against the backdrop of the Pyrenees, Prades has become a hub for musicians seeking Casals’s mentorship. Casals emphasizes that music, like nature, is ever-changing, and each performance brings new interpretations and emotions.

He reflects on being the first to perform Bach’s suites in public and shares how his father’s musical background influenced him. He recounts his journey from playing the violin to discovering the cello, inspired by a concert he attended. The conversation touches on his conducting experiences, including the founding of a successful orchestra in Barcelona before the Spanish Civil War. Casals recalls a poignant final rehearsal of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony before fleeing Spain in 1936 due to the impending conflict. After the war, he returned triumphantly to the concert scene but faced disappointment with the media’s support for Franco. Casals expresses his disillusionment with political realities, which led him to withdraw from public life. He concludes with hope for his country, underscoring his commitment to justice and moral integrity.