Dominique Horwitz remembers the genius of Jacques Brel in Schwerin

Dominique Horwitz remembers the genius of Jacques Brel in Schwerin

When it comes to French chanson, you can't ignore Jacques Brel. Dominique Horwitz, a veteran actor and singer, has filled his programs with Brel's moving songs for over four decades. This September he will perform at the MV Festival in Schwerin, accompanied by his musical partner Andres Reukauf on the piano. The program has the promising title“In the universe of chanson”. In his performances, Horwitz offers a personal perspective on the timeless works of this great chansonnier.

Horwitz, who “absorbed Brel with his mother’s milk” in his childhood, relies on a reduced presentation in his performances that impresses with facial expressions and gestures. He remembers that his first performance with Brel's Chansons came in Munich in 1984 when he had to make a contribution to a theater festival. Since then he has repeatedly paused his chanson evenings to concentrate on other singing projects. “These breaks were good for the program,” he says, describing how the songs matured in silence. “You don't just have to sing Brel's songs, you also have to play them,” he emphasizes, because the inseparable fusion of music and lyrics is what made Brel a genius. “You can’t listen to his songs casually,” Horwitz adds.

Appearance in Schwerin

On September 6th, Horwitz will be on stage at the “Capitol” cinema in Schwerin. Ticket prices range between 40 and 50 euros, and an old rule says that you'll get a good deal if you get your tickets early.

The French chanson is not only very popular in Germany. A concert series that focuses on the beauty of this genre shows the development of French chanson over the years. Nineteen musicians and talented singers take to the stage in a homage to big names such as Édith Piaf, Charles Aznavour and Jacques Brel. The concerts, which will take place in cities such as Groningen and Amsterdam from 2025 and 2026, promise a nostalgic and romantic flair that will win the hearts of listeners.

Cultural heritage of the chanson

French chanson is an indispensable part of France's cultural heritage and is characterized by versatile instruments such as accordion and brass violins. The increasing popularity of the genre recently is due not least to the TV programCHANSONS!which has inspired many people. Marc Forno, a former Moulin Rouge dancer, directs and guarantees an unforgettable evening.

Whether you are a big fan of the chanson or just want to immerse yourself in the musical world of Jacques Brel, Dominique Horwitz's performance in Schwerin offers the perfect opportunity. With his passion and dedication, he will take the audience on an emotional journey through Brel's timeless works.