Amy Ní Fhearraigh Soprano
As a child, one of my earliest experiences of classical music was Disney’s Fantasia, and particularly the section telling the story of the dinosaurs accompanied by Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. Fast forward 15 years to music history classes at university, and I was initially baffled as to why I recognised the opening bassoon motif before putting two and two together. It’s become a beloved piece of mine – I love Stravinsky’s jarring rhythms and punctuation, and his style opened the way for me growing to love more unconventional music.
Though I love hard-hitting music, in my downtime I do need something a little more pleasant and uplifting. One of my favourite works is Brahms’s Waltzes Op. 52, and especially No. 6, which is such a delightful little piece – though very short and simple, it’s so gorgeous. I really don’t think you can beat the Deutsche Grammophon recording with Brigitte Fassbaender, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and all. These singers are the real cornerstones of the repertoire, and it is all so polished yet still joyous and fun.
