20 Minuten

Marley’s “Get Up, Stand Up” inspired Jacqueline Fritschi-Cornaz

Jacqueline Fritschi-Cornaz (61) is an actress and film producer. The Zurich native currently appears in the lead role of the film Mother Teresa & Me. She already celebrated the theatrical premiere in October 2022 in Zurich, together with the film team led by the director Kamal Musale.

What it’s about

• GOAT Radio brings listeners the greatest hits of all time, focusing on pop and rock songs from the 1980s.
• In the series “Music That Made Me,” Swiss personalities share their private greatest hits—from first fan moments to the music that softens life’s crises.
• Actress Jacqueline Fritschi-Cornaz (61) recalls how one song shattered her childhood world, her wild teenage years, and the soundtrack to her first kiss.

Jacqueline Fritschi-Cornaz, what was the first album you bought?

That was the Beatles’ White Album; a work with two LPs and a poster of each of the four great musicians. In my wild years I happily hung those then-“hippies” on my bedroom door and cranked up the volume—both to my parents’ annoyance …

Music that reminds you of your childhood?

Through his piano improvisations, Tuco Grunauer opened up the world of dance and artistic expression to me in children’s ballet. Back then I discovered the magic of the stage; that passion never let me go. Thank you, Tuco!

Music you never understood or liked before, but love today?

The other way around! As a small child I loved folk music and told my mother that at 90 I’d like to request a Ländler on the radio. Sorry—please no!

Which songs or albums have been especially important in your life?

Every phase was important: from the chart hits of the 1970s to ABBA, the disco era, the Italian cantautori, Argentine tango, the songs from my stage productions I was involved in, as well as songs and pieces that accompany and support me in the emotional work of building roles.

Is there music that changed how you think about the world?

“Get Up, Stand Up” by Bob Marley. This song inspired me greatly and made me aware that all of us, as individuals, can personally engage and contribute to a better world—and make things happen.

A song that turned your life upside down.

“Sag mir, wo die Blumen sind,” sung by Marlene Dietrich [in German after “Where have all the flowers gone’’]. I was five years old and heard this song right after the midday news on the radio, which reported on the Six-Day War. My childhood world collapsed back then.

In which musical era would you have liked to live?

The 1920s with the Charleston—I would have loved to experience that, musically and fashion-wise.

A set of lyrics you know by heart.

“I Did It My Way” by Frank Sinatra.

Your favorite karaoke song?

“Simply the Best” by Tina Turner.

A song that gives you courage or hope.

“I’m Still Standing” by Elton John; time and again fireworks display of strength and motivation.

A song you love but wouldn’t brag about?

“Für mich soll’s rote Rosen regnen” by Hildegard Knef.

The soundtrack to your first kiss?

“Angie” by The Rolling Stones—on New Year’s Eve 1980, slow dancing in the Sardona Bar in Flims, wearing my new cable-knit sweater.

A song that always makes you cry or gives you goosebumps?

“Les hommes qui passent” by Patricia Kaas.

The best song or album for celebrating something?

“The Loco-Motion” by Kylie Minogue or “Raspberry Beret” by Prince.

Music for the dance floor?

“Upside Down” by Diana Ross or “A Dios Le Pido” by Juanes.

A song that helps you let out anger or frustration especially well?

“It’s a Man’s Man’s World” by Marla Glen.

A song that gets you out of bed in the morning?

“I Say a Little Prayer” by Aretha Franklin.

Music that always helps you relax?

Classical music; from Anna Mahler to Alexander von Zemlinsky.

Which musician—dead or alive—would you like to spend a day with or paint the town with?

With the composers of the music for the film Mother Teresa & Me by Kamal Musale: Laurence Crevoisier, Annick Roddy, Peter Scherer, and Walter Mair. Magnificent, what these musicians created!

Source: Melanie Biedermann, “Marley’s ‘Get Up, Stand Up’ inspired Jacqueline Fritschi-Cornaz,” 20 Minuten. Link: https://www.20min.ch/story/marleys-get-up-stand-up-inspirierte-jacqueline-fritschi-cornaz-277676317650