Junnan Sun wrote on Facebook:
One of the most influential figures in shaping my musical career, Heinrich van der Mescht, passed away two days ago.
During my studies at Tukkies Prof took extra care of me because my parents were not in SA, and my English writing was not at the academic level required by the university.
Through Prof I had the great pleasure of meeting phenomenal musicians such as JP, Ammiel, Avigail, Megan and Dongho. It was incredible to witness their talent and work ethic, I will treasure those moments forever.
Prof was painfully detailed and knew exactly how to annoy me. Most of the time we would have arguments about the something which, at the time, I thought didn’t matter, but later in life I would realise it would be of great importance. These are things like, how to present myself on stage or how important it is to have different types of articulation in music. He would sit for hours helping me rehearse for an exam and always had pages of notes.
Prof’s musical taste was really special and well polished, he never wanted to hear the same phrase played the same way. It always had to be different, sometimes even shockingly different, but NEVER boring. He also told me that I had to communicate with my audience through music, something I try to strive for whenever I perform.
This picture is the last photo of Prof and I, taken last year October, a day after my recital with Jose Diaz at the Endler. Prof drove all the way from CT to Stellenbosch to listen to Jose and me. Immediately after the concert, Prof told me that I must always let the pianist walk in front of me when we go off stage. He just wanted me to be better the next time.
Prof you will be with me in my heart wherever I go, and I really cannot thank you enough for taking care of me when I was alone and vulnerable. I will try to do you proud, if not in music, at least in person, to always be a better version of myself. Next time I play “Shepherd on the rock” will be tough, but it will be for you.
Till we meet again.
Kommentaar
Thank you for this in memoriam, Junnan. Sad to hear that Heinrich van der Mescht is no longer with us. He trod clear footprints in the sand where he went. Your memories of him and his influence brings alive something of his gentle nature.
Heinrich van der Mescht was a man of many talents and always creative. A generous teacher and intellectually engaged in everything that he prized.
Die nuus dat Heinrich oorlede is, bly hartseer. Hy was vir jare op die Vriende van Welgemeend en Boerneefversameling se komitee. Hier het hy 'n baie belangrike rol gespeel in die opstel van musiekprogramme vir musikante wat in Welgemeend opgetree het. Sy aandag aan detail van die program, sy kontak en ondersteuning aan jong talentvolle musikante was opreg en baie waardevol. Ek het soms die jong deelnemers jammer gekry wanneer Heinrich die werke 'n uur na hul uitvoering bespreek en kommentaar lewer in die "green room". Dit was nie net die oordra van die fynere kuns van optrede nie, maar ook jou optrede teen mede- kunstenaars en lewenslesse.