John Cheek and Larry Wallach to Perform Schubert’s Der Winterreise at Simon’s Rock, Sunday, 12/4 at 3 pm; Lecture by Wallach at Lenox Library, Sun. 11/20 at 4 pm
Over the next three weeks I will be involved in two events relating to Schubert's supreme song-cycle "Die Winterreise." On Sunday, November 20, at 4 pm, I will present a lecture at the Lenox Library as part of their "Distinguished Lecture Series" entitled "Schubert's Winterreise: Ultimate Destinations." Although free-standing, it can also serve as a pre-concert talk to a performance that will take place two weeks later at Kellogg Music Center on the Simon's Rock campus, which will feature Metropolitan Opera bass-baritone John Cheek, with myself at the piano. If you are familiar with the song literature, this work needs no recommendation from me--it is generally acknowledged as the greatest song-cycle ever composed. If you are not familiar with it, or the literature, the talk seeks to position this gripping work not so much in the history of music as in the history of Western philosophical thought: as a precursor of the philosophy of Existentialism which has been one of the most powerful and characteristic trends in modern thought.
Either way, there is no question that the performance to be offered on Dec. 4 will be a revelation. John Cheek has sung this cycle many times, including performances in New York accompanied by James Levine; he has the music and words in his bones, and puts all the power of his great voice behind the dramatic narrative that Schubert has threaded through these twenty-four songs. I have also performed this work many times in the past, and can assure you that John's interpretation sheds upon it an original and intense light that is sure to make for a memorable musical and dramatic experience.
So these are the events:
1. Lecture at the Lenox Library, Sunday November 20 at 4 pm
2. Concert at Kellogg Music Center, Simon's Rock, Sunday December 4 at 3 pm
Hope to see you at both!
Best,
Larry

