An afternoon recital: Schubert's Die schöne Müllerin - The Maid of the Mill

A rare opportunity to hear in concert a song cycle that stands at the very peak of the Lieder tradition.  Die schöne Müllerin is a work of sustained romanticism, ranging in mood from ecstasy to despair.  To bring it to life requires technical brilliance (on the part of both singer and pianist) and a matching musical understanding.

This performance will be given by the distinguished young Wellington tenor (currently based in Germany) Jonathan Abernethy partnered by master accompanist Terence Dennis.  

Franz Schubert (1797 - 1828) was 26 years old when he composed the song cycle, based on a narrative series of poems by Wilhelm Müeller.  Despite the title (The Beautiful Maid of the Mill), the protagonist is actually a young apprentice miller.  He falls in love with the daughter of a prosperous miller.  She is above his pay grade and ultimately, bestows her favour elsewhere.  The cycle ends in darkness - and a lullaby sung by the brook into which the young miller will soon cast himself. 

 Please note:  Daylight Saving Changes today 6 April.