This class is directed toward the somewhat advanced vocal performer. They will
learn about German Lieder, the wonderful confluence of text and music, which is a
highpoint of the Romantic period in music. They will study and perform Schumann’s
Dichterliebe, one of the greatest song cycles ever written. Students will together and
separately learn all of the sixteen songs and perform them in a culminating concert.
They will also study the relationship between the poems and the music in the songs
of the period. Romantic composers, unlike the classical composers, sought to
express emotion, often revealing their innermost thoughts and feelings, positive and
negative, love and death. The poets of the period often juxtaposed these human
emotions with the magnificence and neutrality of nature.
We will study the art, poetry and emotional feeling of the period with an emphasis
on some of the great poets, Goethe, Heine, and look at other song cycles by
Schumann as well as cycles by Schubert and Wolf.
Participants will do written assignments about the romantic era. This is an
opportunity for 6-8 students, auditioned by the instructor, to learn more about
German Lieder, the great composer Schumann and to perform his Dichterliebe.
Reports and papers will be assigned. Rep sessions with the pianist will be available,
as well as coaching in German pronunciation.