Anna Netrebko: ‘I bought several Aida recordings because I am learning the role’

All that is wrong with modern stardom in one short answer.

Once upon a time singers created an interpretation by examining the score for insights and direction, studying with a teacher and consulting senior colleagues.

Now they buy an armful of records and imitate the effects they like best.

Netrebko, as it happens, works hard at her art and attends many performances. She is not, by nature, a copycat. Her glibness in this stand-up interview has let her down.

But the impression she leaves is by no means false. Too many singers and instrumental soloists copy and paste their stage performances from recorded archives. Listening to records is what they should do only after creating a role.