Pianist Danae Dörken: "Music speaks a strong language" | Music | '
The Bonn Schumann Festival ended on the weekend with a piano recital at the ‘ headquarters in Bonn. 200 years after her birth in 1819, the two-week music festival focused on Clara Schumann. Robert Schumann's wife was herself an outstanding composer – and her works were frequently heard at the 16 events.
The Schumann Festival often gives young, up-and-coming artists a platform; this year artists were clearly in the majority. For the final concert, however, the festival won an already recognized, award-winning pianist. Breathtaking technology, sparkling virtuosity, spiritual depth, a pronounced sense for musical structures, energy and nuanced design characterize Danae Dörken's play.
In her own series of events, the Molyvos International Music Festival on the Greek island of Lesbos, Dörken has discovered how music is a serious, essential matter. ‘ had the opportunity to talk to her.
Clara Schumann survived her husband for 40 years and became the defining figure of the classical culture.
Deutsche Welle: Clara Schumann was a pianist, mother of eight children, artistic advisor and the wife of an artist with a problematic clinical picture – Robert Schumann's mental fluctuations resulted in a total mental derangement. But that was not all: she was a concert organizer, music critic and, of course, a composer. What significance does Clara Schumann have for you?
Danae Dörken: For me, she is the epitome of the power woman, because she was not only versatile, but outstanding in all areas. It is often forgotten that she first introduced her husband Robert Schumann's music because she often played it in her piano concertos.
Clara was ahead of her time, even though she had to be criticized. Many have advised her to step down. Eventually, even her husband wanted her to stop composing. However, it acted according to its own rules. I admire people who try new things and broaden their horizons. And that's exactly what she did.
Was it easier to be an allrounder and artist back then? Today we live in an age of specialization.
The problem today is that perfection is expected everywhere. Take, for example, pianists: gamble once and a career can come to an end. In earlier generations, on the other hand, pianists like Vladimir Horowitz and Anton Rubinstein had an immense repertoire, and if they played at times, that was not too tragic. They had a broader concept of music, as did Clara Schumann during his lifetime.
In my opinion, this broader view is still desirable today. One should be open to inspiration in all circumstances. Clara's compositions were influenced by her work as a pianist. And her experience as a mother has certainly enriched her compositions.
Is Clara Schumann an inspiring figure for her?
Certainly, especially since I have two small children myself. How she combined family and music is exemplary for me.
What are the style characteristics of Clara's compositions?
The most striking are the long, lyrical melodic lines. It is said that she was inspired by Mendelssohn, Chopin and of course her husband Robert Schumann. These very broad arches are their landmark. Interestingly, she already composed at the age of 16. Her music has a great depth.
Although Danae Dörken perceives technical perfection as a problematic ideal, her own play is flawless.
So she did not just compose in the style of the time, but in her own style?
Yes, for me she goes beyond her time. By the way, her compositions are also a great challenge. After all, she herself was an exceptional pianist and wrote music for her own performances. As pianists we have to face this challenge.
Clara Schumann plays a lot in the anniversary year. Will her music be more present on concert programs in the next few years?
I think people will perceive her as more than just the wife of Robert Schumann. I have been engaged for performances of her piano concerto in the coming years. So yes: Clara's music has finally arrived in the concert halls.
Listening to the music of Clara and Robert Schumann, one senses that these people were surrounded by other music, poetry, literature, and art, and that these art forms had a place, such as Netflix series today. You could almost be jealous …
And: they have fertilized each other! Imagine their circle of acquaintances: among the Schumanns Brahms, Chopin and Mendelssohn went in and out. That is incredible in itself. Nevertheless, today we do not know who else will remember in a hundred years. Maybe we musicians already know these people, but they do not know it. At the time of the Schumanns, they did not realize that either. The important thing is that we choose our activities wisely, including our sources of inspiration and sources of inspiration.
Is it enough for a musician to just make beautiful music?
I think you should not leave it at that. Many people of my generation think so: Since so much is going on in the world, we should have more in mind. Of course I do not mean that I can save the world or solve serious problems. But I can definitely contribute in my field. Music is an effective tool and it speaks a strong language. That's why I'm willing to make a bigger contribution than just playing for the people who bought tickets. I almost feel the need to do more.
What can be achieved with the music?
The most important thing, of course, is to bring people together. Music is a universal language that anyone can understand, even if there is a language barrier. Maybe it's about giving a moment of hope and happiness to someone in desperation or life-threatening situations. And when we play for such people, then the emotional exchange goes both ways.
A piece of home: Danae Dörken founded her own music festival on the island of Lesbos
Did you observe this at your own music festival in Lesbos? Because in this place, the refugee crisis is particularly observed.
Yes. We launched the festival in 2015, the culmination of the wave of refugees. The people who arrived had probably just been through the toughest weeks of their lives. Many went to our concerts because they had received free tickets from us. But we also went to the camps and played there for them.
The reactions were incredible. Bottom line: Especially classical music can reach anyone, because it permeates our hearts. The soul then resonates on a completely different level. We have seen people who have probably never heard classical music, and they sat there with tears in their eyes. They were deeply moved. Touching people emotionally: Ultimately, that is probably the most important thing we can do.
Danae Dörken is a German-Greek pianist. She started playing the piano at the age of five and later studied at the Hanover University of Music and Drama. Already in her youth she won numerous prizes. In 2015 she founded together with her sister the "Molyvos International Music Festival" on Lesbos.
The conversation was led by Rick Fulker.
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