Schubert - Schwanengesang (Gilchrist / Tilbrook)

Franz Schubert (1797 - 1828) – Schwanengesang

Supported by Charles and Rachel Henderson

Although not technically intended as a cycle, the songs of Schwanengesang (released as a “cycle” following Schubert’s death) sit well together, even if they do not follow a narrative. Seven of the songs are settings of the poet Ludwig Rellstab, and contain such gems as “Liebesbotschaft” and “Ständchen”. The six poems of Heinrich Heine enter a much darker world to which Schubert’s response is the extraordinary music of “Der Atlas” and, most famously of all, “Der Doppelgänger”. James Gilchrist is by now familiar to Oxford audiences and known the world over for his sensitive and deeply moving interpretations. Joined by his regular pianist, Anna Tilbrook, this concert completes his survey of Schubert’s song cycles, started in 2006, and is the perfect conclusion to this year’s Oxford Lieder Festival.

“15 minutes of fame”

At the start of this concert an emerging duo, believed by this evening's artists to have outstanding potential, will perform a short group of songs.

We are delighted to welcome soprano Caroline MacPhie (a finalist at this year's Kathleen Ferrier Awards) and pianist Joseph Middleton, who will perform a fifteen-minute selection of Schubert songs.