Erwin Schrott in an interview

"All the roles I sing are my favorites."

Bass-baritone Erwin Schrott is one of the most fascinating singers of our time and is widely regarded as the best interpreter of Mozart's great roles: Don Giovanni, Leporello, and Figaro.

Classicpoint.ch: What was your childhood like?
My childhood was both blessed and difficult. Blessed because I was fortunate to have such caring parents who supported me unconditionally. But it was also a strict childhood because times were hard in Uruguay when I was a child. You can imagine that people couldn't reach their full potential during the dictatorship. But my parents and I were stronger, and I am so grateful for everything they did for me.
 
When did you first become aware of your special voice?
I can't really remember a single moment, and I don't think there ever was one, because I'm convinced that the human voice is a constantly evolving instrument. Even a special voice needs to be nurtured and developed so that its growth goes in the desired direction. What I do know is that I always wanted to sing. I wanted to be on stage and perform. That's why I subordinated everything to this goal until the audience took notice of me. The moment when the audience enjoys listening to me as much as I enjoy singing for them is indeed a very special moment.

Which is your favorite role?
There are so many! Basically, I don't sing any roles I don't truly love. So, all the roles I sing are my favorites!
 
Which role, which doesn't suit your voice, would you most like to sing?
Ah, the Queen of the Night, definitely. Wow, shattering glass with high notes, and she should also wear sparkling gowns and enchanting headdresses—that would really suit me!
 
If you compare your native Uruguay with European countries, where do you see the difference regarding opera and classical music in general?
The only difference is that there aren't as many opera houses in Uruguay as in Europe. Therefore, it would be unfair to draw comparisons. Uruguay has excellent musicians and people who love music just as much as Europeans do. I can't think of a single place where people don't love music. That would be unnatural, wouldn't it?

You are married to Anna Netrebko. Do you sing duets at home in private?
No, I'm afraid I have to disappoint you. Although some people probably believe that, opera singers don't speak in melodramatic phrases when they leave the stage, or at least not always. When we talk to other people, we actually do it just like everyone else.

Why are there so few joint performances?
Because our calendars are planned years in advance. Both my calendar and my wife's are very full and offer hardly any room for overlap. There are other good friends I'd love to sing with because I admire them as artists and as people. Unfortunately, though, the right repertoire isn't always available. Singers have to sing the repertoire that suits their voices best.
 
Do you have a pre-performance ritual?
I try not to talk much. I try, but unfortunately, I usually fail…

What does a typical day in the life of Erwin Schrott look like?
That depends on whether it's a workday or a family day.
On workdays, I travel alone, wake up, and have a quick breakfast because I know I have a thousand things to do—checking emails, organizing concerts, preparing events for the Anna and Erwin Foundation, learning repertoire, training my voice, going to the gym, reading, going to rehearsals if it's a rehearsal day, or preparing for a concert if there's one that evening.
On family days, I just want to be there for my family, and that's exactly what I do, because time with family is precious and I want to enjoy it to the fullest.

Do you have any plans for the future that you would like to realize?
Oh, so many and so little time, but I am working really hard to make my plans a reality.

Interview by Florian Schär | Classicpoint.ch | April 2, 2013