German Baritone Michael Kupfer-Radecky, finest identified for his roles in Wagner and Strauss operas, made his Canadian debut two years in the past as an intensely formidable Jochanaan in COC’s Salome. He’s again in Toronto, which he calls his new favorite metropolis, to sing the title function within the upcoming COC manufacturing of Alban Berg’s Wozzeck. Coincidentally, this yr marks 100 years for the reason that opera’s premiere. This will even be Michael’s function debut.
It could come as a shock that this worldwide star didn’t comply with a standard path to turning into an opera singer. He didn’t develop up in a musical household, didn’t play a musical instrument as a baby, and was not fascinated about singing.
He did, nevertheless, have an early curiosity in appearing. His first publicity to opera was by means of a recording of The Magic Flute he obtained as a present for his eleventh birthday, which fascinated him and planted the seeds for his love of opera. It was not till age 17 that his lecturers found he had a voice, and urged him to take singing classes. After successful first prize at a voice competitors after solely six months in music college, it dawned on him {that a} profession as an opera singer could be an ideal marriage of his ardour in appearing and expertise in singing.
And the remaining, as they are saying, is historical past.
The Opera
Alban Berg’s Wozzeck is taken into account probably the most important works of Twentieth-century musical modernism. The opera tells the tragic story of Wozzeck, a soldier suffering from his superiors, betrayed by his lover, and in the end pushed to insanity and violence.
Its themes of social exploitation, despair, and human struggling are powerfully conveyed by means of Berg’s modern use of atonality, dissonance, and expressionist strategies.
We spoke to Michael about his upcoming efficiency.
Michael Kupfer-Radecky: The Interview
LvT: Inform us concerning the character of Wozzeck and the operatic challenges of the function.
MKR: It’s a difficult function, each vocally and musically, as a result of the composer desires totally different types from you. There may be pure singing, and talking on a singing tone, which is neither singing nor talking. Then there are pure talking components the place it’s important to shout with a standard voice over the orchestra, which is loud in these locations.
The character of Wozzeck is an actual particular person, and it’s a true story of one of many first historic instances the place the regulation needed to determine if he was of sound thoughts to be on trial for homicide. Berg had served in World Struggle I, and he wrote his private experiences and interior emotional turmoil into that function. These feelings are onerous to study, really feel, memorize and transport, which makes Wozzeck probably the most tough roles I’ve accomplished.
Lots of people suppose Wozzeck is a darkish character, however I don’t suppose that. Everybody round him — the Physician, Captain and Drum Main — are loopy, and his spouse Marie betrayed him. Wozzeck, along with his easy thoughts, is attempting to get by means of and discover his approach. However he can’t handle all the pieces that individuals need from him, and this makes him not a nasty character, however a tragic one. For me, it’s so attention-grabbing to look deep inside myself to search out one thing to place into this difficult character that’s trustworthy and true for the viewers.
LvT: How do you put together for this function?
MKR: I began studying this function final July, so it’s taken me greater than 9 months. It’s by means of a whole lot of repetition to get all musical strains and the tough and particular rhythms to grow to be pure within the physique, like muscle and vocal twine reminiscence, in order that I don’t have to consider it. And dealing with a pianist is necessary if you put together, particularly for a task like Wozzeck.
LvT: Inform us about this COC manufacturing
MKR: The set has a whole lot of projections, movies and work. It’s a like huge, residing art work, which the characters grow to be a part of. I feel for the viewers, they may really feel like they’re in a museum with a dwell portray unfolding in entrance of their eyes. I’m wanting ahead to seeing their reactions.
It’s my second time working with the COC, and I really feel at dwelling right here. It’s a good ambiance to work. Everyone seems to be so sort, useful and supportive, which isn’t at all times the case in Europe. The spirit right here is particular. For me, it’s like working along with household and pals!
LvT: What are your favorite roles? Future dream roles?
MKR: My favorite function is Hans Sachs from Wagner’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. It was one among my very first dream roles, and nonetheless one I actually like to carry out. It’s so filling for the center and soul.
For the long run, there are two roles in operas by Richard Strauss I’d love to do: Barak in Die Frau ohne Schatten and Mandryka in Arabella. And a enjoyable reality: I’ve by no means accomplished Papageno in The Magic Flute! Virtually each baritone has accomplished it in his profession, however not me, regardless that it’s the opera the place it began for me!
- COC’s Wozzeck will play April 25 – Might 16 on the 4 Seasons Centre in Toronto. Discover extra particulars ant tickets [HERE].
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Denise Lai is a Physiotherapist and Faculty Professor. She is an alumnus of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and a rusty piano participant.