Schubert Songs

THE ART SONGS OF Schubert

Franz Schubert transformed the art of song. He captured intricate expressions of poetic imagery in the most ethereal melodies, forging new, deeper connections between words and music. His songs carry listeners on journeys of the soul. Symphony Center Presents extends Riccardo Muti’s focus on Schubert during the 2013/14 season with three concerts dedicated to some of the composer’s most sublime songs.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 7:30 CHRISTIAN GERHAHER baritone / GEROLD HUBER piano Schubert Winterreise Winterreise’s exquisitely beautiful melodies poignantly convey the barrenness and isolation that remain when love fades away. The acclaimed duo of Christian Gerhaher and Gerold Huber make perfect partners for this most beloved of Schubert’s song cycles.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 7:00 MATTHIAS GOERNE baritone / CHRISTOPH ESCHENBACH piano Schubert Die schöne Müllerin Traversing the atmospheric highs and desperate lows of youthful infatuation, Die schöne Müllerin depicts a young man’s loss of innocence. “I can think of few singers capable of doing justice to the extraordinary final tableau, injecting as much emotion as Goerne does here, superbly accompanied by Christoph Eschenbach” (The Guardian).

SUNDAY, MAY 11, 3:00 SUSANNA PHILLIPS soprano / ERIC OWENS bass-baritone Program to include: Schubert Der Hirt auf dem Felsen Schubert Auf dem Strom Two of today’s most sought-after singers, Susanna Phillips and Eric Owens team up for a recital of Schubert’s most treasured songs. Recipient of the Metropolitan Opera’s 2010 Beverly Sills Award, Susanna Phillips frequently appears at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and was noted for her “melting lyricism” (Chicago Tribune) in a 2012 appearance with the CSO at Ravinia. American bass-baritone Eric Owens “speaks to you even in his silences … and shakes you when he sings” (Chicago Sun-Times).

Special stage seating available. See How to Renew Guide for details.