Robert Schumann

Song Cycles

James Gilchrist’s latest recording encompasses three of the greatest examples of the song cycle genre. Gilchrist’s expressive tenor voice is ideally suited to showcase the emotional nuances of Schumann’s vocal writing.

We get to experience the following song cycles on this CD:

Schumann:

• Liederkreis, Op. 24
• Liederkreis, Op. 39
• Dichterliebe, Op. 48

Performed by James Gilchrist (tenor) and Anna Tilbrook (piano)

‘Liederkreis’ shows Schumann at his most lyrical and deeply romantic; and it is amazing that Op. 24 was his first published vocal composition.

‘Dichterliebe’, Schumann’s best-known song cycle, is regarded as one of the finest in the German language, notable for its perfect pairing of Heinrich Heine’s poetry with Schumann’s music.

A prolific and versatile recitalist, this fine tenor has frequently performed Lieder repertoire, most recently Schubert’s ‘Schwanengesang’ and Beethoven’s ‘An die Ferne Geliebte’ at Wigmore Hall.

James Gilchrist has appeared with many of the world’s most prestigious ensembles and under several leading conductors at venues including Wigmore Hall, Snape Maltings and Perth Concert Hall.

Anna Tilbrook is one of Britain’s most exciting pianists, with a considerable reputation in song recitals and chamber music. She made her debut at Wigmore Hall in 1999 and has since become a regular performer at Europe’s major concert halls and festivals.

Here is James Gilchrist in ‘Every Valley Shall be Exalted’ by George Fredrick Handel:

And here he is in ‘Winterreise’, Op. 89, D. 911: No. 5. Der Lindenbaum by Schubert: