One of my formative musical experiences was playing cello for the Death and the Maiden quartet with some excellent musicians at a summer music camp around age 16–I’ll always think of Schubert’s chamber music fondly.
I’m so glad you shared this, John! What a lovely origin story for your love of Schubert.
Life changed when I discovered Winterreise in college. The melancholy, the lyricism, the poetry — I became forever transfixed. I was so relieved to learn of Müllerin after that, and that I had 24 more songs to explore!
Looking forward to diving into your recording selections for the quintets. The chamber music can’t be beat. In Shades of Blue’s early days I wrote about the First Piano Trio, and how Schubert’s chamber works really are written in a language of friendship:
Thanks, Michael, and thanks for the link! Both Winterreise and the First Piano Trio will feature later in the challenge. And yes, I think that the chamber music is the heart and soul of his work. (And the late sonatas. And the song cycles. And . . . )
I was trying to think if any of Austen's gentlemen sang. I think one or two are mentioned as singing duets. The 'Trout' quintet is just the kind of instrumentation that I envision being available for the country balls, with perhaps a woodwind or two thrown in.
I play violin and piano, with a little church organ (church organs are few and far between, and I have only ever played electric ones). Like Lizzie, I am not technically brilliant but my performance is generally held to be pleasing by those who hear it. While getting my nursing degree, I played in the university orchestra as an elective. I had to audition for my spot in the second violin section and I am persuaded that I was accepted because I could play in tune, as the music director praised my "intonation". That intonation is thanks to my violin teacher with perfect pitch, who wouldn't let me away with a single sour note. I only played in my first year as I was too busy after that, but the music director actually wanted me to return, calling me an asset. I remain perpetually surprised by that praise, as the student musicians could play technical rings around me.
I think that often musical directors prefer the dependable, competent performer over the mercurial talent. I was always afraid to make mistakes, so I was well-practiced and precise, if not the most exciting performer.
All my favourite Schubert! Just add the A major Piano Sonata and the set is complete.
Yes, probably Austen's characters would have entertained themselves with Hook, Ireland, and Handel, with a little Beethoven thrown in; but Schubert is too good to leave out, and his treatment of rejection, melancholy, and unrequited love is a perfect counterpart to 'Emma'.
This is excellent, John. It brings back lovely memories of my own classical training, though Schubert wasn't my favourite composer to play on piano. Will you ever sing for us?
Thanks for this introduction John. Not surprisingly, it sounds like you and I were quite similar in high school with the exception that my passion was the drama club rather than music. I am looking forward to this series.
One of my formative musical experiences was playing cello for the Death and the Maiden quartet with some excellent musicians at a summer music camp around age 16–I’ll always think of Schubert’s chamber music fondly.
That’s one of my favorites, and it will certainly be featured here in a few weeks.
Yay!
Your ongoing passion and generosity is the mark of True Tarheel, John! Thank you for this beautiful offering.
Thank you! Go Heels!
I’m so glad you shared this, John! What a lovely origin story for your love of Schubert.
Life changed when I discovered Winterreise in college. The melancholy, the lyricism, the poetry — I became forever transfixed. I was so relieved to learn of Müllerin after that, and that I had 24 more songs to explore!
Looking forward to diving into your recording selections for the quintets. The chamber music can’t be beat. In Shades of Blue’s early days I wrote about the First Piano Trio, and how Schubert’s chamber works really are written in a language of friendship:
https://open.substack.com/pub/michaelwriteswords/p/franz-schubert-piano-trio-no-1?r=6d8h3&utm_medium=ios
Thanks, Michael, and thanks for the link! Both Winterreise and the First Piano Trio will feature later in the challenge. And yes, I think that the chamber music is the heart and soul of his work. (And the late sonatas. And the song cycles. And . . . )
I was trying to think if any of Austen's gentlemen sang. I think one or two are mentioned as singing duets. The 'Trout' quintet is just the kind of instrumentation that I envision being available for the country balls, with perhaps a woodwind or two thrown in.
I play violin and piano, with a little church organ (church organs are few and far between, and I have only ever played electric ones). Like Lizzie, I am not technically brilliant but my performance is generally held to be pleasing by those who hear it. While getting my nursing degree, I played in the university orchestra as an elective. I had to audition for my spot in the second violin section and I am persuaded that I was accepted because I could play in tune, as the music director praised my "intonation". That intonation is thanks to my violin teacher with perfect pitch, who wouldn't let me away with a single sour note. I only played in my first year as I was too busy after that, but the music director actually wanted me to return, calling me an asset. I remain perpetually surprised by that praise, as the student musicians could play technical rings around me.
I think that often musical directors prefer the dependable, competent performer over the mercurial talent. I was always afraid to make mistakes, so I was well-practiced and precise, if not the most exciting performer.
And yes, Frank Churchill certainly sings!
All my favourite Schubert! Just add the A major Piano Sonata and the set is complete.
Yes, probably Austen's characters would have entertained themselves with Hook, Ireland, and Handel, with a little Beethoven thrown in; but Schubert is too good to leave out, and his treatment of rejection, melancholy, and unrequited love is a perfect counterpart to 'Emma'.
Agreed! Also, I love the A Major sonata, though the B-flat (D 960) may be my favorite.
This is excellent, John. It brings back lovely memories of my own classical training, though Schubert wasn't my favourite composer to play on piano. Will you ever sing for us?
Ha! Not unless you get a couple of drinks in me, but then you won’t get me to stop!
Thanks for this introduction John. Not surprisingly, it sounds like you and I were quite similar in high school with the exception that my passion was the drama club rather than music. I am looking forward to this series.
Yes, I think that despite our different life trajectories, we have a lot in common. I hope that you enjoy the music—let us know what you think.
Interesting personal background! So do we ever get to hear you sing?
Ha! Get a couple of drinks in me, and you won't be able to stop me.
We need to organize a Substack happy hour!