For nearly 50 years, Art Garfunkel has been lending his distinctive tenor to some of the more memorable musical interpretations in pop history.

Whether providing the high harmonies as half of the super duo Simon and Garfunkel or as a successful solo artist, Mr. Garfunkel has made and maintained a reputation based on finding the truth in a tune. On Tuesday, he will perform in Augusta with the Augusta Symphony.

As an artist, Mr. Garfunkel has appeared (quite famously) backed by only an acoustic guitar and another voice, and by big bands. Still, he said, he enjoys being backed by a well-rehearsed orchestra to bring new life to old favorites.

"There's nothing like that 19th century invention," he said in a recent telephone interview from his office in New York City. "There's nothing like it when I'm ready to peak out on something like Bridge Over Troubled Water . It really says something."

Mr. Garfunkel said he never shies from his history when performing. He includes songs made famous during his years with Paul Simon, sings tunes off his solo records and still seeks songs that he believes he can put his stamp on. In 2007, he released an album of classic American song book tunes, selected using the same criteria he has always incorporated.

"There is always a core to a good song," he said. "Good songs, good art, is truthful and shared by all of us. That's what makes powerful art. It strips down pretense. It's about the fierceness of love and the power of life."

Mr. Garfunkel related making music to the simple act of conversation. He said that whether performing live or laying down tracks in a studio, his goal is to communicate clearly.

"It's a dialogue you are allowed to have when you are a lucky recording artist," he said. "It's a dialogue between you and 100,000 people. And it is something that mixes and matches. I can't avoid Scarborough Fair or Bridge Over Troubled Water . That's what an audience expects from our conversation."

Mr. Garfunkel said being able to provide a sense of certainty in his performance is important because there is so much uncertainty elsewhere. He performs with a passion to connect because he understands that outside the controlled environs of a theater or recording studio, life is far more complex and less predictable.

"Life is like a slippery eel," he said with a laugh. "For instance, I'm about to go on the road. I don't know what state my health will be in. I mean, what if I get a cold? You really do have to be like a panther, like (baseball player) Derek Jeter, ready to shift to the left or right."

Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or steven.uhles@augustachronicle.com.