Nic’s Definitive Quarantine Playlist

1) Grandes Canciones de Amalia. Amalia Rodrigues. I especially love Track 8: Ave Maria

In 1957 or 8, my parents and I drove to Frankfurt to visit my Godfather, Erich. On the way, I learned my first German word Umleitung (traffic diversion), a common one to see because the roads were still full of pot-holes. My Godfather had a 10 inch record of fados sung by Amalia Rodrigues and I listened to it every day. Very kindly he gave the record to me and I still have it. The Ave Maria remains my absolute favourite.

2) Brahms Sextet in B flat op. 18 played by L’Archibudelli

I have loved this work by Brahms ever since I first heard it as a teenager.

3) Tito Schipa sings Tangos. Lebendige Vergangenheit V

In the later 1980’s when I was recording in Hungary, my wonderful record producer, András Székely, played me this recording. The singing is glorious, though I am told by Spanish speaking friends of mine that Schipa’s Spanish pronunciation isn’t great. The band’s playing with its weeping/wailing violins takes me back to a bygone era.

4) Le Nozze di Figaro sung by Schwartzkopf, Seefried, London. Conducted by Karajan

This is the first opera recording that I ever heard. I especially love Irmgard Seefried’s Susanna. Her performance of ‘Deh Vieni’ is perfect in my view. When I was a teenager, I got to turn pages for her accompanist when she came to give a recital. I’ve never been more star-struck!

5) Schubert Piano Duets played by Paul Lewis and Stephen Osbourne

Schubert’s pieces for piano duet are amongst the greatest pieces of music I know. Right at the top of my list is Lebenstürme.

6) Berlioz Les Nuit d’Eté sung by Lorriane Hunt

I feel a bit naughty including a recording in which I took part but the reason here is because of Lorraine’s remarkable performance. I was standing only a few feet from her so it was almost as if she were singing this wonderful music just for me!

7) Dvorak Bagatelles op. 47. Scharoun Ensemble

I have included these lovely pieces for two reasons: firstly because I find the music enchanting and secondly because Mark Morris did the most memorable choreography to them.

8) Elgar Sea Pictures op. 37 sung by Janet Baker. LSO conducted by Sir John Barbarolli

I was lucky to hear Janet Baker sing in concert several times. This wonderful set of songs by Elgar remind me of England and the seacoast that surrounds it.