Song Soiree: »Liszt & Britten«

An extraordinary recital focuses on two very different but equally powerful cycles. Korean tenor Jaesung Kim devotes himself to Franz Liszt's three »Petrarca Sonnets«, in which the passionate Italian poetry of the humanist Francesco Petrarca is transformed into a glowing romantic musical language. Between wistful introspection and ecstatic emphasis, Liszt unfolds a vocal and pianistic fireworks display, interpreted here by accompanist Hanna Klose.
 
Portuguese tenor João Terleira then presents Benjamin Britten's »Winter Words«, a late song cycle based on texts by Thomas Hardy. These subtle miniatures combine simple, sparse melodies with profound moods about transience, childhood memories and the quiet observation of a harsh world. An evening of contrasts – between Italian passion and English melancholy.

Few other genres represent individual artistic expression better than the art song. Members of the opera ensemble invite audiences to the Alter Saal to discover the many different facets of the art of songs from classic to modern, showing this popular genre’s diversity. Every evening promises a unique musical experience, centering on our singers as well as the musical sophistication of art songs.