Read on to discover what studying with the great baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau was like... Benjamin Appl remembers...
What was it like studying with Dietrich Fischer Dieskau? The greatest voice of the 20th century...
I studied with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau for three years at his homes in Berlin and Bavaria until a few weeks before he died. Very often, the atmosphere created between teacher and student is the secret to a successful and harmonious relationship. That was the case here – a connection, a feeling, which took over both body and mind. Occasionally it was how he looked at me that helped my understanding. Sometimes he sang along with me.
Dieter was so dedicated to painting. Working with him taught me that in preparing a song I need to select and mix ‘colours’, all of which can be found in life. Perhaps it’s seeing someone unusual in the street, or a magical moment in nature. He encouraged me to read biographies of poets and composers, and study the period in which the music was written.
Studying with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau... he struggled with insecurity in later life
Teaching into later life mattered so much to him. Once when I was studying in London, he called to say we’d work on Brahms’s Serious Songs the following Tuesday. I had to say, ‘Mr Fischer-Dieskau, I’m sorry but I can’t come then.’ He hung up and called again: ‘What about Wednesday?’ I said the same thing. Then another call: ‘So we work on something else?’ He was a little child-like, wanting his own way, but that made him more human and loveable.
I feel privileged to have had access to Dieter’s letters and diaries. I now see how much he struggled with the worry that he wasn’t good enough. On my last visit to his home, he was depressed. He cried a lot in the lessons. I felt it should perhaps be the last time I came, to give space to him and his wife, but she said, ‘No, you must come back. The thing he looks forward to is the lessons with you.’ He felt the absence of many friends with whom he’d lost contact after he stopped singing.
I still felt that could be the last time I’d see Dieter, so I wrote him a very long letter, thanking him for the experiences we had shared and for all I’d learned from him. A few weeks later, I learned that he’d passed away.
Studying with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau.... An homage to a wonderful mentor
This centenary recording and concert project of mine carries both a personal and public dedication to this fine artist. I invite no comparison between my voice and that of Fischer-Dieskau. I remain inspired by Dieter both from our time together and his recordings. This new album celebrates his enormous legacy in his 100th year.
Appl’s album ‘For Dieter: The Past and Future’ is out on Alpha Classics on 23 May.
On 25 May, Radio 3 presents 'Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau - Behind the Voice', Benjamin Appl's personal tribute to his mentor and friend.
Benjamin Appl and pianist James Baillieu present tribute performances to Fischer-Dieskau at the Aldeburgh Festival, 22-24 June.