We asked Ricarda Merbeth about loving Wagner, preparing for Isolde, and facing an expert audience.
Translation: Claudia Ruff.
Phil News: How did you come to know and love Wagner’s music?
Ricarda Merbeth: I completed my vocal studies in Leipzig in 1989, then at age 23 my singing career began with my first operatic role at the Theatre Magdeburg as Roßweiße, one of the eight valkyries in Die Walküre by Richard Wagner. Looking back, I really threw myself into these early roles with great passion, energy and diligence, taking joy in the music and people who worked with me.
Over the following seven years, the management of the Magdeburg Opera entrusted me with Elisabeth in Tannhäuser, Isabella in Das Liebesverbot and Eva in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, in addition to many other roles, such as Pamina or First Lady from The Magic Flute. I learnt an incredible amount through these opportunities. This paved my path in German opera, and I now perform worldwide in the roles of Isolde and Brünnhilde.
PN: You are world-famous for your Isolde. What qualities does a soprano need to be a successful in the role?
RM: The most important qualities are years of experience on stage with various roles (including operas by Mozart, Puccini, Beethoven) to develop an excellent vocal technique, selfcriticism, musicality, courage, selfconfidence and a lot of humility. These qualities are not only applicable to the role of Isolde, but also to Brünnhilde or Elektra.
