Borken. For Lara Rieken (soprano) from Velen, the performance at the Forum Altes Rathaus Borken (Farb) was almost a home game. For Basel-born Hedayet Djeddikar (piano), it was another opportunity to interpret compositions by women. "Blühen! Songs by female composers" was the title of the duo's concert, which was performed on Saturday to coincide with the Farb exhibition "Everything we See" featuring works by female artists.

Caecilia Göken, also from Velen, had conceived the exhibition and exhibited it herself. She kept a low profile in the audience and was delighted with the successful concert.

"I'm incredibly happy to be here and to see so many familiar faces," Rieken began. Six songs by Clara Schumann (1819-1896) opened the senses to the music of the Romantic period. "Clara Schumann wrote these songs for her wedding to Robert Schumann. The two of them fought for their marriage in court," Rieken preceded. The duo interpreted these songs, which were all about love and feelings, with such intensity that listening to them was enough to make you dream.

Djeddikar, who has long been working on rediscovering the works of female composers, slipped out of an accompanying role as pianist with songs by the American composer Amy Beach (1867-1944) and later with works by the French composer Cécile Chaminade (1857-1944). Both women began their careers as musical prodigies. In 1885, Beach married a doctor 25 years her senior, who put the brakes on her career. She was only allowed to perform once a year and had to donate her fee to charity. Chaminade had an easier time of it. Despite being married, she was able to continue her career undisturbed.

Beach's songs were full of energy. Here, too, everything revolved around love. It was no coincidence that the lively piano playing was intended to be rushing and roaring, while Rieken's voice was almost too powerful for this room. Her marvellous soprano ranged effortlessly over several octaves and was convincing with its full, expressive sound. Chaminade's songs also centred on love.

In between, the duo performed songs by Fanny Hensel Mendelssohn (1805-1847). After her early death, her brother Felix published her works, sometimes under his name. Research in recent years has also been able to put this right.

After the moving applause, Rieken slipped into the role of Cunegonde from Leonard Bernstein's operetta "Candide". "Cunegonde was also a strong woman," added Rieken.

Photo: Meisel-Kemper

Lara Rieken and Hedayet Djeddikar gave a concert at Farb on Saturday, performing songs by female composers.