Bostridge: 'I view works not just as sheet music, but in their historical and cultural context'

World-renowned tenor Ian Bostridge, celebrated as a "singing humanist," regards Gustav Mahler's "Des Knaben Wunderhorn" song cycle as his most cherished work. The cycle, based on German folk poetry, delves into themes of love, death, and war.

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In today's world, where peace is easily taken for granted, it remains important to reconsider the terrible and unpredictable consequences of war through art.

Bostridge, 62, brings a unique perspective to his music, informed by his academic background. He holds a Master's degree in philosophy from Cambridge University and a doctorate in history from Oxford University. This scholarly foundation shapes his approach to performance.

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History and music are both attempts to understand human beings.

"History and music are both attempts to understand human beings," Bostridge stated in a recent written interview with Dong-A Ilbo. He explained his method: "Thanks to my studies, I tend to think about the era and cultural context in which a work was born, rather than just looking at the score."

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Thanks to my studies, I tend to think about the era and cultural context in which a work was born, rather than just looking at the score.

He also highlighted the enduring relevance of art in contemplating conflict. "In today's world, where peace is easily taken for granted, it remains important to reconsider the terrible and unpredictable consequences of war through art," he said. Bostridge is scheduled to perform at the 9th 'HikEtNungK! Music Festival' in Seoul from the 25th to the 3rd of next month, with a concert at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall on the 26th.

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The song cycle is my favorite work among the songs.