Interview with Roman Janál
We regularly hear baritone Roman Janál in PRSO concerts.
This time he will perform Mussorgsky’s cycle Songs and Dances of Death.
Four songs, four possible outlooks on man’s final earthly moments. You have been associated with them since 2010. Was it hard to find a distinctive approach to each?
The Songs of Dances of Death represent one of the most original pieces in the world’s song cannon. They force the interpreter to put himself really deeply into the atmosphere of the individual stories representing four aspects of departure from the earthly world.
It is necessary to perceive in detail every word, corresponding to the musical motif. The singer mustn’t forget that he could find himself at any time in close proximity to pathos, excessive joviality, sentimentality… This also makes it complicated to grasp the individual songs in a felicitous and suitable manner.
Do they necessarily have to create a sad impression? Or how do you perceive them?
Sadness naturally goes with the subject. However, it’s necessary to find in each song a certain kind of sarcasm, irony, apathy and resignation. Everything is connected, as in life. It’s also necessary to be aware of how each of us would experience the states of death and its impact. This takes us up to the level of philosophy, though this would be a subject for a lengthy discussion.
Which song cycle have you “got your on eye” next?
My next big wish is to perform the most extraordinary cycle Six Monologues by Frank Martin, based on Hugo von Hofmannsthal’s play Jedermann.
On March 3 you launched your new CD at the Divadlo Ypsilon theatre. What’s the repertoire?
Franz Schubert’s famous song cycle Winter Journey. I am accompanied by the outstanding pianist and chamber partner Norbert Heller and the album has seen the light of day thanks to Radioservis.
In what role can we look forward to you in opera houses?
At the present time I’m finishing learning the very substantial and attractive role of Carlo Gérard in the opera Andréa Chénier, which is due to premiere at the start of May. For me it’s a big task that motivates and stimulates me and at the same time helps me develop as a vocalist and interpreter.
