Becoming a Lied singer, BBC4 tonight.

[Mary Chambers]

I've only just noticed this potentially wonderful programme. Thomas Quasthoff on Lieder. I think it's at 8 pm.

I'm not sure I've posted this in the right place.

[Conchis]

I've only just noticed this potentially wonderful programme. Thomas Quasthoff on Lieder. I think it's at 8 pm.

I'm not sure I've posted this in the right place.

Gimmicky programme title, though.

[Stanley Stewart]

Thanks, Mary. I've already set the HD recorder, 20.00-21.00hrs, BBC 4, 7 July, as the programme may clash with the Andy Murray match on BBC 2, another "must" in my preferences!

The RT blurb is enticing, although I note that the documentary isn't scheduled for a late night repeat, the norm on BBC 4.

"Music Lieder are some of the most beautiful and heart-tugging songs ever written, poetry set to music by such masters as Schubert and Brahms. From the domestic drawing rooms of the 19th century to the concert halls of the 21st, "These are the songs in which the German romantic soul bloomed", says Thomas Quasthoff. The now retired Lied singer is a jolly host, cutting through the melancholy as he gives masterclasses and presides over the international competition Das Lied.

If you're not entranced by his potted history and performance snatches, wait for Bryan Brenner, whose translated the Lieder into English and for classical guitar."

Was it really 1947 when I first ascended the steps of the Usher Hall, Edinburgh,
to hear, as a teenager, Dame Maggie Teyte, at my first lieder recital? A gift for life.

[gradus]

Thanks for the prompt, it's a programme I shall watch as I have enjoyed attending lieder master classes over the years - though not a performer myself.

[cloughie]

Thanks, Mary - I've set the recorder.

[Richard Tarleton]

An interesting hour.

I liked the bit about 8 minutes in where TQ had a male English singer in front of him, commented on the "English technique" and proceeded to give a perfectly strangulated imitation of - well, you know who - and then showed how it should be "opened up". Exactly! Some lovely voices amongst the young singers.

Wasn't DFD chubby in those early years! I barely recognised him.

The one time I was due to see Quasthoff (in a Beethoven 9 with Rattle/OAE) he was unwell, and Willard White stood in. He presented most engagingly, I thought. He made me realise I scarcely know Brahms's lied at all, I should put this right.

[gurnemanz]

Just watched a recording. Lieder are are special enthusiasm of mine and it's great to see them given a rare outing on the box. Good for TQ.

We did catch him once live at the Barbican shortly before he retired. He went off at the end and came back for an encore. Going off and coming back on was an effort for him and he wasn't happy with the resulting encore performance and sang it again to get it right.

Interesting to hear him talk about his special affinity with Brahms. Only three songs in this combination in my collection. Maybe I need to upgrade. This one maybe

[PS For Brahms Lieder fans: cpo coming up in a complete edition. Good value at jpc}

[Mary Chambers]

I know DFD is everybody's standard, but I'm not sure I like him in Lieder. His voice seems a bit too heavy for these very delicate, subtle songs. I prefer a lighter, preferably tenor, voice.

I suppose to a German or Austrian the English do sound wrong in this repertoire, in the same way as Britten songs sound wrong when sung by non-English singers. It's obviously a matter of style as well as accent, but accent does matter, because the words are so important. (DFD in War Requiem is different. His strong German accent is part of the point.)

I was surprised by the emphasis on Brahms, and by how little there was of Schumann and Wolf.

A friend said over lunch yesterday that BBC4 should be like this all the time.

[Richard Tarleton]

I was surprised by the emphasis on Brahms, and by how little there was of Schumann and Wolf.

I remembered I do after all have that double CD of Jessye Norman and Daniel Barenboim doing Brahms songs, inc. those two with viola. Haven't listened in ages, must do so.

I've found not knowing German a particular obstacle with Wolf - I've managed with translations with Schubert (not to mention Wagner) but that doesn't seem to help with Wolf, who can be quite a bleak listen.