Reconstruction of Clara Schumann’s Concert in Guebwiller (North of France) with Julius Stockhausen (baritone) dated 15 October 1862
Concerto Cristofori at Helensburgh, Scotland
Saturday, 20 March 2010, 7.45pm
Helensburgh Music Society, Venue TBA, Helensburgh, Scotland
Thomas Guthrie baritone
Sharona Joshua 1853 Pleyel historical piano
Franz Schubert
Die Schöne Müllerin
(Text: Wilhelm Müller)
The programme includes Chopin’s Ballade in g minor Op.23
The performance includes readings of the lesser-known prologue, epilogue, and three remaining verses from Müller’s poem-cycle Die Schöne Müllerin, which Schubert refrained from setting to music.
I invite you to a brand-new entertainment
In an absolutely brand new style.
Simply fashioned, artlessly arranged.
Adorned with noble German simplicity,
As jaunty as a lad with his lover’s bouquet;
And there is also a little pious humility for the audience.
For me that’s enough of a recommendation;
If you too like the sound of it, then come in.”
Franz Schubert
Chopin’s Ballade in g minor Op.23, inserted half way through the cycle, was composed in 1835-36 and dedicated to Monsieur le Baron de Stockhausen, Hanoverian ambassador to France (a relation of Julius’?). This piece is cleverly placed here, as it too, was inspired by a poem – “Conrad Wallenrod”, written by the polish poet Adam Mickiewicz.
