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Book Shirley (Xiao-Ling) Wang for a groupmuse

Schubertiade, Voice & Guitar Duo/Solos


Details

Shirley (Xiao-Ling) Wang full profile / Voice and guitar / 2 musicians

Other players: Eric Coffey


Full program notes

An Enchanting Evening of Classical Music

Welcome to an evening that promises to captivate and enchant, bridging the time-honored tradition of classical music with the fresh curiosity of new audiences. Tonight’s program is a carefully curated selection of Schubert Lieder, alongside a variety of classical vocal selections and guitar solos. Our journey is one of lyrical beauty, deep emotion, and compelling storytelling, designed to resonate with connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

The Heart of the Program: Schubert Lieder
At the heart of tonight’s performance are the Lieder of Franz Schubert, a composer whose genius lies in his ability to capture the full spectrum of human emotion within a few brief stanzas. Schubert’s Lieder are intimate expressions of love, longing, joy, and sorrow, set to the poetry of his contemporaries. These pieces, often described as the pinnacle of art song, are characterized by their⬤


Historical context

Historical Context: Schubertiades and Schubert’s “None Sense Society”

Schubertiades: Intimate Gatherings of Music and Friendship

The term “Schubertiade” refers to intimate gatherings organized by Franz Schubert (1797-1828) and his circle of friends, where Schubert’s music was performed, often for the first time. These events were not public concerts as we understand them today but rather private social occasions that combined musical performances with literary readings, poetry, dance, and the camaraderie of close friends. The Schubertiade represented a unique cultural phenomenon in early 19th-century Vienna, a city that was the heart of the classical and romantic musical world.

Schubertiades were held in the homes of Schubert’s friends or patrons, away from the formal concert halls and the public eye. This intimate setting allowed for a more relaxed atmosphere, where creativity and artistry could flourish without the constraints of public performance expectations. These gatherings were crucial in cultivating the appreciation and understanding of Schubert’s compositions, especially his Lieder (art songs), chamber music, and piano works. They provided a supportive environment that fostered the composer’s creativity and helped to spread his music among a circle of aficionados, even though Schubert himself was not widely known to the general public during his lifetime.

Schubert’s “None Sense Society”

A lesser-known facet of Schubert’s social life was his involvement in the “None Sense Society,” a playful, intellectual group he founded with his friends. This society was a gathering of artists, writers, and musicians who came together to share their work, engage in humorous and satirical performances, and participate in various forms of merriment. The “None Sense Society” was indicative of Schubert’s lighter, more whimsical side, showcasing his love for humor and camaraderie.

Members of the society engaged in writing and performing skits, composing parodic poetry, and creating pun-filled and often absurd literary works. These activities reflect the vibrant, if not always serious, intellectual and artistic spirit that characterized Vienna’s cultural life in the early 19th century. The society provided a creative outlet for Schubert and his friends, allowing them to escape the pressures of their artistic careers and the constraints of societal expectations.

Schubert’s Music and Legacy

Despite his relatively short life, Franz Schubert was a prolific composer, leaving behind a vast oeuvre that includes over 600 Lieder, symphonies, operas, chamber music, and piano works. His music, known for its melodic beauty, emotional depth, and harmonic innovation, has had a lasting impact on the classical music tradition. Schubert’s compositions, especially his Lieder, are celebrated for their profound expression of the human condition, often set to the poetry of his contemporaries such as Goethe and Schiller.

The legacy of Schubert’s music and the cultural phenomena of the Schubertiades have continued to inspire musicians and music lovers for nearly two centuries. Today, Schubertiades are still held around the world, celebrating the intimate and communal spirit of Schubert’s music. These events serve as a reminder of the enduring power of music to bring people together, transcending time and place.

In conclusion, the Schubertiades and the “None Sense Society” offer insight into the rich cultural milieu of Vienna in the early 19th century and the vibrant social life that shaped Schubert’s world. Through these gatherings, Schubert not only found a supportive environment for his music but also cultivated a sense of community and friendship that was integral to his artistic and personal life.


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