Oxford Lieder – 1822: Schubert and his Friends

Graham Johnson is the pre-eminent scholar-pianist of our time, particularly in relation to the music and life of Franz Schubert. He is known for his acclaimed recordings and recitals as well as his many books, including a masterful and comprehensive three-volume survey of Schubert’ssongs. His lecture-recitals are always revelatory occasions. We are delighted that he will play a lead role in each Schubert Weekend from this year onwards, helping us trace the final seven years of the composer’s life in detail. He writes:

"1822 was the year when Schubert made hay while the sun shone, a time of heady engagement with talented friends and with the pleasures of life in Vienna. The belated publication of his songs had made him more independent: having moved out of Mayrhofer’sapartment, the composer was free of the poet’s quasi-parental control, though still drawn to his mentor’s lyrics. With the support of the glamorous Franz Bruchmann and his wealthy family, Schubert moved in the highest social circles. Matthäus von Collin was a powerful member of the Imperial staff. Franz’s devotion to the other Franz, the dilettante Schober, remained unshakeable. This edifice of friendship and bachelor laissez-faire came crashing down with the onset of 1823: after this, the special glow of 1822 was never to be rekindled."

Graham Johnson is joined by four singers, including the renowned American soprano Martha Guth, BBC New Generation Artist Alessandro Fisher, winner of the 2022 Kathleen Ferrier Awards Esme Bronwen-Smith, and Ferrier finalist Charles Cunliffe.