My Splendid Isolation: Anne-Sophie Mutter – 'Bob Marley created his own Ode to Joy'

What I’m watching

I’ve just seen The Handmaid’s Tale, which is especially disturbing in this time of the lockdown, when the usual forms of democracy have been put on hold. Also I’ve been watching Bruno Monsaingeon’s documentary Enigma, on the great Russian pianist Sviatoslav Richter, who is one of my musician heroes. But I watch very little on the whole, because here in Bavaria we are allowed to walk for miles and miles, so I mostly spend time out of doors. What I am watching is nature!

What I’m listening to

Actually I’m now listening to music much more than usual. I’ve rediscovered Bob Marley, who I used to love when I was in my teens. I adore all his songs – they have such a joyous natural feel, as if they spring from the green earth. He created an Ode to Joy in a different musical language. Also I have also discovered Erykah Badu, who I think is a fabulous singer. But in my more dramatic moments when I’m worrying about the future I reach out to Maria Callas, because for me she is the artist of the greatest intensity and integrity.

What I’m reading

I’ve just finished Sprechen wir über Beethoven [“Let’s speak about Beethoven”] by the German journalist Eleonore Büning. It reveals the fascinating interconnections between Beethoven’s life and his works, and between the early and late pieces. Also I’ve gone back to French literature, which was my great love when I was a teenager, I loved Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir and, of course, Camus. I have just started rereading Camus’s The Plague. It’s interesting that I can still relate to him, whereas some of my other favourite authors from my teens, like Hermann Hesse, now seem too flowery. It’s beautiful writing, but somehow not right for the present moment

The hobby I’ve taken up

Well, for the first time I have taken up gardening, which was very helpful when I was ill with the virus myself. I have only a tiny little garden but still I’m having fun! I love to do things with my hands – I’ve never taken care of them. I’ve always loved an English cottage garden – it all looks like it’s been groomed by God’s hands, a kind of artful wilderness. I’m trying to create that effect.

The thing that made me laugh recently

That’s easy: conversations with my children, who like to deflate me when I am being grand. They help me to laugh at myself quite a lot. I am so lucky to have them living near me.

What I can’t wait to do once this is all over

I miss terribly seeing loved ones. The first thing I will do when it’s all over is just give everyone a hug. Also I’m longing to share music with other people, because that is what music is for. It makes us feel whole.

Anne-Sophie Mutter was due to perform at the Barbican in April but the concert had to be cancelled on government advice. The concert has been rescheduled to Febraury 23 2021