Song: The German Lied

Directed by James Gilchrist and Anna Tilbrook

About the course

Join tenor James Gilchrist and pianist Anna Tilbrook for an exploration of the rich world of German Lied, from Schubert and Schumann to Brahms, Wolf and Strauss. This course brings singers and pianists together to explore the close relationship between poetry and music, and the unique musical partnership at the heart of the Lied tradition. Through individual coaching and shared musical discovery, participants will develop their interpretation, understanding of style and confidence in performance.

Who is it for?

This course is for singers and pianists interested in German song, whether established duos or individuals keen to develop new musical partnerships. Participants should have sufficient experience to prepare and perform one or two songs in advance. James and Anna will provide a welcoming, supportive environment in which performers can refine their skills and deepen their appreciation of the repertoire.

What to expect

Throughout the week, James and Anna will sometimes work together with the full group and sometimes separately with smaller groups. Sessions will explore interpretation, German language and diction, phrasing, style and the partnership between singer and pianist. A suggested repertoire list will be provided in advance; participants will be invited to indicate which songs they would like to focus on and to prepare one or two of them before arriving. Listening to and learning from fellow participants will be an important part of the experience.

Practical information

Repertoire

Participants are invited to prepare between one and three songs in advance of the class. Suggestions include:

Schubert
An den Mond (Hölty)
Heidenröslein
Frühlingsglaube
An die Musik
Litanei
Der Wanderer an den Mond
Die Forelle
Ständchen (from Schwanengesang)
Das Fischermädchen (also from Schwanengesang)
Das Röslein
Der Musensohn

Schumann (Robert)
Du bist wie eine Blume (from Myrthen)
Meine Rose (op90)
Widmung (from Myrthen)
Die Lotosblume (from Myrthen)
Er, der Herrlichste von Allen (from Frauenliebe und Leben)
Er Ist’s
Der Nußbaum
Myrthen Burns settings

Schumann (Clara)
Ich Stand in dunkeln Träumen
Die Stille Lotosblume
Liebst du um Schönheit

Brahms
An die Nachtigal
Ständchen (der Mond steht über die Berge)
Wie bist du meine Königin
Wiegenlied
Wir Wandelten
Meine Liebe is grün

Mendelssohn (Felix)
Auf Flügeln des Gesanges
Keine von der Erde Schönen
Das erste Veilchen
Der Blumenstrauss
Suleika
Nachtlied
Neue Liebe
An die Entfernte

Mendelssohn (Fanny). Also known as Fanny Hensel
Verlust
Sehnsucht

Mahler
Some of the songs from the collection Des Knaben Wunderhorn