International violinist Rupert Guenther has unveiled his new original work, Marcus Aurelius “Meditations” – Violin Sketches in Sound, with its world-premiere performance this year at the atmospheric Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney. The composition draws inspiration from the life and writings of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (102–180 AD), particularly his famed book Meditations. Guenther’s piece offers a musical exploration of the psychological maturity and humanitarian vision embodied by Aurelius, imagining how such a leader would stand in stark contrast to today’s often psychologically unbalanced world leadership.
Through a series of seven extended improvisations, Guenther brings to life themes from Aurelius’ philosophy of “good-spiritedness” or eudaimonia — the pursuit of virtue, living in harmony with nature, and maintaining self-control free from anger, envy, and jealousy. The work envisions how a leader guided by these principles could foster a future of security rooted in wisdom, cooperation, and collaboration, rather than through domination and perpetual conflict.
This unique performance features a specially designed electric baroque violin, custom-built for the piece in collaboration with Australian master luthier Paul Davies from regional Victoria. The innovative instrument complements Guenther’s seamless, mood-shifting improvisations, which have been described by Sydney Arts Guide as transcending time and culture, offering a fresh and profound concert experience that resonates deeply with contemporary concerns and sentiments.
