Mainly Schumann

Songs of home and homesickness

Jonathan and I have been working together for about two years. We both are music graduates and between us have a large repertoire of songs that we like to introduce to each other. It is a true partnership in that we share the programming to get what we both enjoy performing. We started work on the Schumann Liederkreis about a year ago. It was written by Schumann as a cycle but it is more an exploration of mood than a story. From the very first note it is evident that Schumann was a pianist’s composer and there are songs within the cycle where the voice almost seems superfluous as the piano takes centre stage. Such beautiful romantic melodies!

Performers

Elizabeth Charlesworth (soprano) and Jonathan Bickley (piano)

Programme

• Vaughan Williams: Linden Lea
• The Water Mill
• Silent Noon
• Schumann: Liederkreis op 39