VOICES: Defining Moments in Music And Theater

Music moves the human heart; it brings hidden feelings to life; it fills empty spaces; it gives hope. For some persons, music is communication with ancestors; for others, it is a gift of the gods. In an era when the conviction is arising that art is not system-relevant, the book publication Voices seeks to explore the countless connections established by music and to give expression to the significance of art: What stimulated professional artists to gain a foothold in this profession? What was their motivation with regard to music? 70 personalities share musical moments which have influenced their lives or continue to be remembered as extremely special experiences-whether initially as mainsprings for their own professional development or later as pivotal impulses during their career; documenting highly personal, crucial experiences of music history and to narrate them visually with a top-quality pictorial dramaturgy. Featuring more than 400 photographs, this is the first book illuminating important landmarks in their careers and in music history that continue to influence us today. This compelling volume also explores the practices and life stories of artists across music and theatre. The book Voices offers intimate insights into the artists' careers and life paths. The outstanding performers share their personal experiences about working with other renowned personalities, and also allow very private insights such as playing music at home with the family, social backgrounds and sensitive issues as setbacks, fears, appreciation and how they found the key to their own voice. This stunning book represents oral history from 1945 to the present. The interviews offer multiple access points to aesthetical and historical aspects of creating emotional spaces on stage, providing a lasting reference in this area of music history. Artists include Jonas Kaufmann, Renée Fleming, Frederica von Stade, Bryn Terfel, Elina Garanca, Cecilia Bartoli, Anne Sofie von Otter, Sonya Yoncheva, Antonio Pappano, Golda Schultz, Rachel Willis-Sørensen, Anja Silja, Christa Ludwig, and many more.