Wspomnienia głosem pisane. O autobiografiach śpiewaków
Streszczenie
The article Memories sung in words – singers’ autobiographies aims at identifying main topics and
patterns present in autobiographical writings of classical singers. Discovering of vocal
talent and musicality, desire to become a singer, role of voice teachers and mentors
(conductors, stage directors etc.), highlights of the career, fears and failures, vocal crises,
dealing with criticism and negative judgements, daily routines aimed on vocal fitness,
balancing private and professional life, cultural and historical background — all these
aspects are discussed here on two remarkable examples: ... und ich wäre so gern Primadonna
gewesen. Erinnerungen (Berlin 1994, English: In My Own Voice. Memoirs. New York 2009) by
Christa Ludwig, one of the greatest mezzo-sopranos of postwar opera, and Zeit eines
Lebens. Auf Fährtensuclie (Stuttgart 2000) by Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, one of the most
famous Lieder performers, often called in Germany ‘the voice of the 20th century’.
Verbalizing the universe of their artistic and life experience they both express the essence
of being a classical singer: ‘The singing profession is slavery! It only looks easy and
enviable from the outside. You are showered with bravas and blossoms [...], but from
the beginning the sword of Damocles always hangs over your head. After a certain age
you no longer have the ease, and your voice is no longer as radiant. Indeed, you must
stop singing just at the time when you finally know what singing is all about’ (Christa
Ludwig, In My Own Voice. Memoirs).