Talk:Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau

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I have reverted the edit by 137.22.4.102 because I can't find any evidence that Fischer-Dieskau is dead. Please revert my revert if you have evidence to the contrary.

--Greg 21:03, 25 May 2006 (UTC)

In my opinion, the discography list should include the recording of Britten/s War Requiem with Peter Pears and Britten conducting. It was a very signficant performance for reasons other than just his singing. Un less someone disagrees, I will add it in a couple days. Wood Artist 17:58, 13 January 2007 (UTC)

I second the motion Captbaritone (talk) 11:07, 3 February 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Fi-Di and the war

It seems to me that his role as a German soldier in WWII as as a musical ambasador for Germany after the war are of some importance and perhaps marrit a section. Paraphrased by me, from Kenneth S. Whitton's book "Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau Mastersinger":

• One of his professors wrote a letter on his behalf attempting to

excuse him from service based on his "extraordinary vocal and musical talent."

• He was drafted in 1943 as a Army veterinarian because of a blood

vessel disorder.

• "The singer gives a delightful description of how he used to sing

into the ears of is unruly horses as he brushed them down. Whether he sang 'Winterreise' to them he cannot remember." - Whitton

• He was posted to infantry training in 1944.
• Fischer-Dieskau claims with pride that he never fired on a human

being, and that the six rounds he was required to fire each day were shot into the air at night.

• His talents were recognized and now and again he would be

transported to the Nazi General in command. "After saying my 'Heil Hitler!' I had to sing the Erlkönig!" - Fischer-Dieskau

• Fischer-Dieskau was captured by the Americans while he and his

comrades were helping repair a peasant's cottage roof. And imprisoned in a POW camp in Italy for two years.

• From a Fischer-Dieskau quote on his post war feelings about the

Nazis: "The Nazis had allowed my handicapped brother Martin to starve to death in the 'sanatorium' to which they had transported him."

As you can clearly see, Whitton downplays any Nazi sympathies he may have had. I am inclined to believe it, but due to the overly praise-based nature of the book, I still wonder. After all "Fischer-Dieskau the Nazi" would not appeal to his English reading audience.

Whitton's point, however, is supported by role he has played as a musical ambassador for Germany. Examples include his participation in the premiere performance of Britten's War Requiem, and the acceptance of his German language performances in Israel.

What do you all think? Captbaritone (talk) 18:49, 5 February 2008 (UTC)