Lise Davidsen: Influences

Great talents rarely, if ever, emerge from the void. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise to child—likewise, it takes a wealth of artists from contrasting backgrounds to shape and hone today’s towering talents. In her playlist, Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen pays tribute to the stellar female singers who have had indelible effects on her own development and career. “These are 10 songs that have been a big inspiration for me,” Davidsen tells Apple Music, “from when I studied, when I became a professional and today.” Davidsen begins with two of opera’s most poignant and powerful arias performed by the remarkable soprano Maria Callas—“Casta diva” by Bellini and “Vissi d’arte” by Puccini—before showcasing the many sides to soprano Jessye Norman in three contrasting performances: opera from both the Baroque and late Romantic eras, and Lieder. “Jessye Norman has always been an influence with her repertoire and her interpretation,” says Davidsen, while the Italian soprano Mirella Freni and Verdi’s Forza del destino make, she adds, “a perfect combination”. Away from the opera house, Davidsen looks to fellow Norwegian Anne Sofie von Otter as the model for her own album of Grieg songs: “‘Elsk’ is one of my favourites of Grieg,” she says, “and I love that weird Telemann cantata that follows. I sang it for my Bachelor exam. I still think it’s a bit funny!” We finish with two tracks featuring Renée Fleming. The American soprano shines bright in a rich string arrangement version of Gounod’s “Ave Maria”, and joins singers Susan Graham and Heidi Grant Murphy in music by Richard Strauss, one of the most breathtaking moments in all opera. “Strauss’ Rosenkavalier trio is women in music at its absolute best,” says Davidsen.