The last work of a great artist is traditionally referred to as a "swan song". This is also the name given to the last collection of songs by Franz Schubert (1797 - 1828), which the Munich Brahms Choir has chosen for its summer concert. For this very special project, our conductor Andreas Schlegel arranged and composed the song cycle as a choral version. The songs are mainly poems by Henrich Heine and Ludwig Rellstab set to music. In combination with a dance performance arranged by Ada Ramzews https://www.ada-ramzews.com/, this human journey of the soul is given expression as musical dance theater. A very special premiere performance of Schubert's song cycle.

Based on the Swan Song as a human journey of the soul, the production explores the themes and symbolism of age and ageing on various levels. "Age(ing)" combines motifs such as farewell, memory, doubt and also physicality and mobility. Song, language and dance form a harmonious unit. The choir "tells" the stories of the human condition, while three professional dancers symbolize youth, maturity and age and give them physical expression.

The Werk7 Theater in the Werksviertel Mitte at Ostbahnhof offers us a fantastic stage for our performance!

Program preview - Song cycle "Der Schwanengesang" by Franz Schubert (1797 - 1828)

Choral arrangement: Andreas Schlegel

  1. Message of love (Ludwig Rellstab)
  2. Warrior's foreboding (Ludwig Rellstab)
  3. Longing for spring (Ludwig Rellstab)
  4. Serenade (Ludwig Rellstab)
  5. Sojourn (Ludwig Rellstab)
  6. In the distance (Ludwig Rellstab)
  7. Farewell (Ludwig Rellstab)
  8. The Atlas (Heinrich Heine)
  9. Her picture (Heinrich Heine)
  10. The Fisher Girl (Heinrich Heine)
  11. The City (Heinrich Heine)
  12. By the Sea (Heinrich Heine)
  13. The Doppelganger (Heinrich Heine)
  14. The Pigeon Post (alternative: D 965a) (Johann Gabriel Seidl)


Performers:
Munich Brahms Choir
Peter Jolesch
Natalie Bury
Jana Förster
Constanze Hartl