Independent Classical Podcast: Roger Vignoles

It may no longer be politic to call him "an accompanist" but Roger Vignoles has no problem being known as one. He has worked with some of the most illustrious names in Song and knows just how "finely tuned" this most exacting of musical partnerships needs to be.

In this far-reaching conversation with Edward Seckerson he talks frankly about the song pianist's role, sharing in some detail precisely what is involved in effectively serving as a one-man-band for such a wide range of vocal temperaments. He is currently part way through a huge project to record all of Richard Strauss's songs for the Hyperion label - so many of them little known and rarely performed - and at Wigmore Hall he has been airing many of his discoveries with a hand-picked group of singers.

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All clips with kind permission of Hyperion Records.

1. Christopher Maltman & Roger Vignoles - Lied an meinen Sohn 'Der Sturm behorcht mein Vaterhaus', from Fünf Lieder, Op 39 by Richard Strauss

2. Anne Schwanewilms & Roger Vignoles - Die Nacht 'Aus dem Walde tritt die Nacht', from Acht Lieder aus Letzte Blätter, Op 10, by Richard Strauss

3. Andrew Kennedy & Roger Vignoles - Winterliebe 'Der Sonne entgegen' from Fünf Lieder, Op 48, by Richard Strauss

4. Andrew Kennedy & Roger Vignoles - Ständchen 'Mach auf, mach auf! doch leise, mein Kind' from Sechs Lieder, Op 17 by Richard Strauss

5. Christopher Maltman & Roger Vignoles - Am Ufer 'Die Welt verstummt, dein Blut erklingt', from Fünf Lieder, Op 41, by Richard Strauss

6. Anne Schwanewilms & Roger Vignoles - Waldseligkeit 'Der Wald beginnt zu rauschen', from Acht Lieder, Op 49, by Richard Strauss