Christian Gerhaher . Gerold Huber

Cinema without images. We couldn't begin to describe the songs by Franz Schubert (1797-1828) in better terms. Schubert projects images that reach right into the heart and soul using the minimum of means. With only a little compositional arrangement and a simplified song line, Schubert summons up whole worlds of emotion; feelings common to every era. It is the duty of the performers to stimulate your fantasy with the right empathy. Baritone Christian Gerhaher and pianist Gerold Huber lead you through 'Schwanengesang'. Schubert wrote this collection of songs only months before his death. They are among the most poignant songs he was ever to set down on paper. Schubert voiced the central themes - unrequited love, loneliness, homesickness, with a vast stylistic diversity. The songs range from a depiction of romantic nature scenes to exciting thrillers. In 'Der Doppelgänger' for instance, Schubert stages a nightmare that dovetails illusion and reality. The music moves literally to an abyss and reaches a dramatic climax that grabs you by the neck and throws you back into your chair leaving you exhausted.