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The Genius of Franz Schubert: A Live Musical Discussion with Peter Medhurst

The Genius of Franz Schubert: A Live Musical Discussion with Peter Medhurst


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Join lecturer and recitalist Peter Medhurst live from his piano in London for a musical conversation that will put composer Franz Schubert’s genius in context.

Franz Schubert (1797-1828) once remarked “I am composing like a god, as if it simply had to be done”, and certainly, Schubert’s vast output - all achieved before his early death at the age of 31 - is a testament to that statement. Because of Schubert’s gift for melody, his output leans heavily in the direction of songwriting, and even when composing in purely instrumental forms his arguments in the music are more concerned with melodic development rather than harmonic drama. There is of course nothing wrong with this as an approach, but it differed considerably from techniques employed by Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven, who were his role models. The lecture plots Schubert’s genius as a composer in pieces that range from the early song settings of the 1810s and the solo piano music, through to the symphonies, song cycles, and chamber works of the later years.

Led by a musician and scholar, Peter Medhurst, this interactive seminar will explore the life and work of Franz Schubert through discussion and live performance. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an understanding of what it is that gives Schubert’s music its unique sound.

This conversation is part of a musical series with Peter Medhurst. Each session is designed as a stand-alone seminar as well as part of the series.

Peter Medhurst appears in the UK and abroad as musician and scholar, giving recitals and delivering illustrated lectures on music and the arts. He studied composition and early keyboard instruments at the Royal College of Music in London, and singing with Erik Werba at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. He is known today for his lecture-recital work which has taken him to Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, as well as to all the major cities in Europe. He lectures for The Arts Society, The National Trust, and The Art Fund. Peter also leads tours abroad to places like Venice, Rome, Berlin, Vienna, and Madrid, and as part of the time spent exploring these places he gives organ recitals on the historic instruments in the various cathedrals and churches.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
67%
(2)
33%
(1)
0%
(0)
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K
Kris Shapar (Stuttgart, DE)
Richly rewarding

I learned a lot and passed a thoroughly enjoyable 90 minutes. I really look forward to the next one!

L
Lisa A Dimberg (Evanston, US)
Lisa Dimberg Schubert Review

Peter's conversation was a very enjoyable overview of Schubert's life and works.

S
Suzanne Henry (Iowa City, US)

Guest did not leave comment

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
67%
(2)
33%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
K
Kris Shapar (Stuttgart, DE)
Richly rewarding

I learned a lot and passed a thoroughly enjoyable 90 minutes. I really look forward to the next one!

L
Lisa A Dimberg (Evanston, US)
Lisa Dimberg Schubert Review

Peter's conversation was a very enjoyable overview of Schubert's life and works.

S
Suzanne Henry (Iowa City, US)

Guest did not leave comment