What makes a song recital really special to you?
A truly special song recital occurs when everything comes together. A beautifully constructed programme, with as much space for the singer as the pianist. Of course, it is nice when both are technically and musically advanced enough that beautiful quiet moments alternate with dramatic songs, for instance. And what completes it all is purity, good diction, perfect pronunciation and a mature, lived-in interpretation with great eloquence.
How do you see the future of classical song for a new generation of singers?
I believe that classical song and its lyrics are timeless. I think in any age, including the coming age with the emerging generations, the song will be of the same significance as before. Many poems require time to reflect, especially when combined with the specific tone. I very much hope that in the present and future times, when much is made fast and superficial by the ever-shortening limit of concentration, not cheap theatrical effects are also going to be used in song art. Song art is one of the purest forms of art, a whole world in itself.
Why do you think it is important that (young) singers continue to discover and perform song repertoire?
Song art, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful art forms around. I have heard since I was studying that it is a dying art form, but it is not. Over the centuries - Mozart was already writing about this! - there has always been a select audience for this genre, and that group continues to exist. This art form is a whole universe in itself, and if you have formed a nice duo there is almost nothing better than diving into that vast repertoire. Many young singers want to sing opera, which I can understand. I can say from my extensive experience - I have now been a song and opera singer for almost 25 years - that a song recital, also in terms of interaction with the audience, is a unique experience every time and often provides more richness than singing along in an opera.
What are your top three favourite songs at the moment?
This question is, of course, impossible to answer. But when I look at the programme I am touring with Thom Janssen this season and choose from it, I choose three songs by Franz Schubert: Abendstern, Totengräbers Heimweh and Der Zwerg.
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