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Lied Austria International's
Flame
In 2009 Lied Austria International instituted an annual award for singers during its two summer sessions. It is established in honor of Fritz Lockemann (1899-1967): Educator, Singer, Artist and Researcher of literary speech and style, who made words sing and music speak.
The Fritz Lockemann Award for Musical Expression, LAI's Flame, includes a financial award, a certificate, a public tribute during the concerts, and, most importantly, a special section therein. The winner sings AND recites several songs, performing in a way that was most notably done by the composer Hugo Wolf (1860-1903).
 The candidates are expected to give spirited, poetically inspired, musical performances, clearly showing that ALL aspects of Lied have been taken into account. Words, piano, and singing have to create a communicative, humanly touching, and artistic balance. The concept of balance is the key: diction, appearance, walk, posture, body movements, facial expression - all play a role and have to serve the higher artistic purpose.
Early in both sessions the exact procedures for Flame will be announced. Lied Austria International reserves the right not to bestow the award, if a suitable candidate cannot be found.
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A Helpful Hint: Heinrich Heine (1797-1856), one of the most composed German poets, has this to say in his poem "Die Minnesänger" about Flame:
Und wem dort am besten dringet
Liederblut aus Herzensgrund,
Der ist Sieger . . .
"Whoever expresses best, from the bottom of their heart, the life blood of the songs, will be victorious. . ."
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"I believe that the work of art is much more important than all the interpreters
. . . For me the best interpreter is the one who retreats behind the work."
- Dietrich
Fischer-Dieskau |
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Isn't this what you wish for too:
"If only my talent for music and poetry would converge into a single point . . . I could attempt a great deal."
- Robert Schumann |
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"The music he had written could not have been added to the texts. It was the natural music of the verses . . . Wolf's music made it truly audible."
-Hermann Bahr
friend of Hugo Wolf |
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