Valery BUYMYSTER: "There is no such thing as a bad audience"

He is one of us, he walks with us, runs to catch a tram, prefers tea to champagne, and always watches the time, for his life is tightly scheduled: The National Philharmonic, recording sessions, lectures, and family. Everything means much to him, and everything needs a part of his soul.

He is not conceited although he has been awarded many titles: the Glinka contest, Grand-Prix in Paris, and People's Artist of Ukraine. This conversation with him is not an attempt to find out how to become a chosen person but what such people think of us.

Q: What is the relationship between lyrics and music?

A: The music can explain everything, it is like alpha, the beginning of everything. Words are fine, but there are some things you cannot say with words, and only music can help you do it. I pay more attention to the music, when mastering a new song, and music helps me not to see the weak points of the lyrics. I used to work with Schuman's "Poet's Love," written to Heine's poems. At first I sang in Russian, and it seemed perfect to me. But then, when I converted to the original language, German, I could not get back to Russian. The real composer always takes into account the music of the poem, that is why it is always much better to sing in the original language.

Q: Do you think the music should help us "build and live"?

A: Well, I think yes, if you mean building yourself as a person. The music may force you do something you never knew you could, in a good sense, of course. A real performer never pressures his audience; he captivates people with the beauty of the music and not his own personality. It is very bad when a performer becomes an idol. The music should merge them both and not place one above the other. If that happens, the music helps to "live and build," but it can also ruin. France said that the "Marseilles" could defeat the armies of kings and emperors. There is also music, which speaks to the dark side of man, killing his mind.

Q: What do you think about folk songs?

A: As a singer, I have not dedicated much time to them, but with time they becomes more and more important to me. Music created by your own people can boost you like nothing else can. The lyrics are usually simple, but if there is feeling and musical taste, it can reach into your soul.

Q: You are famous for performing Glinka's love songs. Does that mean he is your favorite composer?

A: Yes, but he is not the only one. I also love Schumann, Schubert, and Glinka of course. His music demands perfect vocal skills and culture. They say he composed love songs for himself and was a very good performer.

Q: What is your favorite classical role?

A: Onegin in Tchaikovsky's opera, "Eugene Onegin." I started singing it when I was a fourth year student in the conservatory.

Q: You have received applause on every continent of the world. What part of it you prefer?

A: I cannot think of myself without Ukraine. It is my country, and my audience is here. To sing in your own land for your fellow Ukrainians: that is the main reason I go on stage.

Photo:
Valery Buymyster believes that music is able to build an individual. Not by accident is his repertoire dominated by romantic composers