David Rocha, 20 years old, scavenges for old quality wood in the landfills of Sao Paulo. Then he transforms old wardrobes and tables into violins and other musical instruments. In this video interview for daily Folha de S. Paulo (unfortunately without subtitles), he tells how he found a box used to transport Norwegian codfish. Made with solid European wood, it reincarnated into a guitar.
Rocha’s interest for classical music began in his childhood, when he watched concerts on TV. Later, he learned to play a few instrument in a Christian church.
Here is what he says:
– I scavenge the place, everywhere where there is wood, including the Tietê river.
– Then I chip the wood to find out what it smells like.
– This is a “cavaquinho” (similar to the ukulele) I made, and all the materials to make it was found on a lot where we were, and this is wood from a wardrobe and this is from a door.
– I’ve always wanted to play classical music, to learn to play the violin which is a beautiful instrument…
– Because when you play you you learn to appreciate the music, reading music, the art itself, its meaning; but to build (the instrument) the technique is different. You will have to learn biology, mathematics, all types of wood, geometry, a lot of things…
– This one can be used to make a brace for a guitar or a “cavaquinho”…
– A friend of mine from school brought me here and through the window I saw the fiddles hanging (from the ceiling) and then a week later I came here, it was open, I talked to Mr. Inacio, the coordinator, and he told me how to apply and I’ve been here since then.
– It has been always my dream to join the orchestra (São Paulo Symphony Orchestra) and play this violin in the Sala São Paulo (home of the Orchestra)
Oh, Sandra, muitíssimo obrigada pela tradução! Fico devendo uma.