Opera singer Barbara Hannigan on the 1930's opera 'Lulu' | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

In this opera journey, the singer discusses her experience preparing for and performing the demanding role of Lulu, expressing her dedication to art and the challenges she faces as a performer.

Key Insights

• 🕵️‍♀️ Lulu challenges assumptions and presents a complex female character.
• 🎼 Preparing for Lulu requires both musical and emotional dedication.
• 🧑‍🎤 The singer navigates the challenges of aging and the limited time she has as a performer.
• 🕵️‍♀️ Music allows the singer to transcend gender boundaries and express both male and female voices.
• 🧑‍🎤 The singer experiences Stockholm syndrome and survivor guilt during her journey with Lulu.
• 🧑‍🎤 The role of Lulu had a profound impact on the singer's life and became a significant part of her identity.
• ✊ The singer finds strength and power in performing Lulu and exploring the character's emotions and experiences.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What is Lulu about and how does it challenge the assumption of it being a misogynous story?

Lulu is an opera about an extraordinary woman named Lulu who defies societal expectations and is true to herself. It challenges the assumption of being a misogynous story by presenting Lulu as a complex and authentic character instead of a mere stereotype.

Q: How does the singer feel about taking on the role of Lulu and what challenges does she face?

The singer initially feels daunted and overwhelmed by the demanding role of Lulu. It is one of the most challenging roles in the operatic repertoire and requires not only musical preparation but also life experience. The singer struggles with her own aging and the knowledge that her career has a limited shelf life.

Q: How does the singer approach learning an opera role like Lulu?

The singer begins by meticulously learning the notes and rhythms of the opera. For Lulu, she initially focuses on the technical aspects before delving into the interpretation of the text. The opera's music comes from the end of the Romantic Era and carries a range of emotions and temperatures.

Q: How does the singer view her role as a female opera singer in a male-dominated field?

The singer acknowledges that she mainly sings music written by male composers, who often use female characters to work out their own demons. She finds it interesting that she has chosen a career with no male competition (as a soprano), and she is now expanding into conducting, an area almost entirely dominated by men.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The singer takes on the challenging role of Lulu in the opera written by Alban Berg, finding her to be an honest and inspiring character.

• Learning and preparing for the role requires intense dedication, both musically and emotionally.

• The singer reflects on the impact of aging and the limited time she has as a performer, expressing her anger and desperation to make the most of her career.