Blend well.
In the quaint town of Reinhold Tietz, Wernberg-Koblitz, a Music and Literature Evening was held at the Wernberg-Koblitz Cultural Forum, reviving the spirit of Schubert's iconic "Schubertiades."
The event, expertly moderated by Dr. Hans Loelgen, featured a series of musical performances and literary recitals that paid homage to the famous Viennese composer and his era. Dr. Loelgen, a renowned pianist, delighted the audience with several of Schubert's solo piano works, including "Impromptu," "Moment musicaux," and "Ländler."
Susanne Kirchner, Dr. Loelgen's daughter, captivated the audience with her enchanting voice. Her rendition of several Schubert songs, such as "Impatience," "Heideröslein," and "Wanderer's Night Song," was met with so much applause that encores followed. Kirchner's performance was marked by her ability to convincingly portray the state of dissatisfaction as well as inner peace, making for a moving and memorable experience.
To add a touch of irony and tragedy, Hermann Meiller recited aphorisms by Johann Nestroy, such as "eat yourself full" and "the fate creeps silently." The inclusion of these statements created a spectrum of listener experiences, blending elements of a concert and a literary event.
The program also included a duet between Kirchner and Meiller, where they performed "Hear How the Angels Sing" by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy. The performance was a beautiful display of harmonious collaboration, further enhancing the evening's musical enjoyment.
Two sad poems from "Kindertotenlieder" by Friedrich Rückert were also part of the program sequence, adding a poignant and emotional dimension to the evening.
The event was more relaxed than a usual concert, allowing the era to be presented concretely in words and music. Poetry by Carl Spitzweg, more known as a painter, was even performed, offering a unique and engaging experience for the audience.
During the break, drinks were available, providing a chance for attendees to mingle and discuss the performances they had just witnessed.
The history of Schubertiades originates from intimate social gatherings during Franz Schubert's lifetime, where friends and admirers would come together to perform and enjoy Schubert's music. These events highlighted Schubert’s art songs (Lieder) and chamber music, creating a close-knit atmosphere for musical and personal exchange. Today, this tradition continues through festivals such as the Schubertiade Hohenems in Austria, which combines a sense of community pride with artistic excellence.
In summary, the Music and Literature Evening at the Wernberg-Koblitz Cultural Forum served as a testament to the enduring legacy of Schubertiades. By celebrating Schubert's timeless works and fostering a sense of community through music and literature, the event honoured the social and artistic value of intimate musical experiences, bridging past and present and nurturing new talents alongside veteran performers.
Other forms of entertainment were also provided to enrich the evening, with a selection of light-hearted comedic skits interspersed between the music and literary performances, offering a nod to the carefree and lively spirit of Schubertiades.
In addition to the formal performances, a local band performed popular tunes of the era, allowing guests to dance and interact, creating an overall atmosphere of festivity and camaraderie that echoed the original Schubertiades, where entertainment extended beyond the concert hall.
