Although their musical backgrounds differed – Schubert was inspired by German Lieder, Chopin more by Italian opera – both found the essence of their melodies in the human voice. They make the instrument sing more than anyone else. This was perhaps an obvious way forward for Schubert. As the composer of more than 600 songs, the art of the song was intrinsic to his very being. Chopin was on a par with this in his own way, since much of his music is fundamentally vocal in conception. While Schubert based his work on German Lieder, Chopin was inspired by Italian opera from the early 19th century.
Program:
Frédéric Chopin:
– Selection of Nocturnes, Impromptu and/or mazurka’s
– Polonaise-Fantaisie Op.61
Franz Schubert:
– Sonata in b-flat major D960
