Winterreise

Saturday, June 29 2024 3 pm

In the golden hues of autumn 1827, Franz Schubert, with the whisper of eternity in his ear, crafted “Die Winterreise” – a masterpiece that would forever echo the depths of the human spirit. This was no ordinary song cycle but a profound journey through the soul, beautifully entwined with the evocative words of Wilhelm Müller. Just a year before Schubert’s brilliant light would flicker out at 31, he gave us a treasure of 24 songs, a narrative rich with emotion and the raw essence of life itself.

“Die Winterreise” tells the poignant tale of a wanderer, heartbroken and alone, venturing beyond the warmth of society into the embrace of a stark and frozen wilderness. This journey is both literal and metaphorical, a voyage into the wanderer’s innermost realms, where the chill of lost love meets the solitude of nature. Schubert, with Müller’s verses as his muse, paints a landscape of the soul where every note and word delicately balances between despair and the beauty found in solitude.

And then, there’s Roderick Williams – a baritone whose voice is as rich and deep as the stories he sings. Handpicked to perform at the coronation of King Charles, his talent is undeniable. Missed the grandeur of Westminster Abbey? Worry not. Williams is set to bring the haunting beauty of Schubert’s “Die Winterreise” to the intimate and sacred space of Risør Church. This performance is more than just a concert; it’s a journey into the heart of Schubert’s winter narrative, guided by Williams’ masterful interpretation. Prepare to be transported through the emotional landscapes of “Die Winterreise,” where each note is a step deeper into the wanderer’s story, crafted by Schubert and brought to life by Williams in a way that’s both profound and intimately accessible.