‘For many years, Carl Loewe, our most outstanding ballad composer and quite likely the most productive one in this genre, completely disappeared from the collective memory of the public at large, this even though hardly any leading music expert would dispute his importance.’
This assessment by Walther Wossidlo is more than 100 years old – but misperceptions about the composer abide. In the 150th anniversary of his death, we explore the prolific and brilliant song composer Carl Loewe and his astonishing gift for storytelling, showing the breadth and depth of his work, and reasserting his place as one of the most important song composers.
11am - 11.45am
Richard Stokes gives an overview of the long and fruitful life of the composer, introducing key poets, influences and legacy. He also shows how Loewe was not just a storyteller, but also a composer of profound and beautiful lyric songs.
11.45am - 12.15pm
Every song tells a story, so what is it that makes a ‘ballad’? This question, key to understanding the works of Carl Loewe and their reception, is addressed by Laura Tunbridge.
12.15pm - 1.15pm
A light lunch is available for purchase in advance (£7).
1.15pm - 2.15pm
Christina Gansch and Martin Hässler perform a programme of Loewe’s glittering ballads and beautifully expressive songs, alongside works by Schubert, Beethoven and Schumann.
2.30pm - 3.30pm
Richard Stokes focuses on two poems by Goethe, both set by Loewe and others, offering rich contrasts and opening questions about different approaches to narrative in song. The event concludes with a general discussion of Loewe, drawing together today’s speakers and performers.