Diva/Mensch pair for Sept 17, 2025

The 2016 Grammy for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album went to soprano Dorothea Röschmann and pianist Mitsuko Uchida for a pairing of two Lieder composers who seem a custom-made diva/mensch pair:

Diva: Alban Berg

Mensch: Robert Schumann

The Berg is bursting with glamour and what is more diva-indicative than glamour? The harmonies are opulent, the vocal line is gratifying, the general atmosphere is decadent bordering on erotic. Totally my lane.

The Schumann, on the other hand, is rather reticent in its expression, and what's more mensch-indicative than reticence? It's quiet, well-mannered - - the narrator is taking you by the hand and sitting you down by the fire to tell you about her heartbreak. The Berg lady is standing on a stage in a pale green gown and weaving a spell.