Musical masters perform the Everest of song-cycles

Two musical masters from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) will perform what is considered to be the Everest of song-cycles at the West-Star Motors Twilight Vocal Recital on Wednesday 10 October 2007.

Senior Lecturer in Music, Phillip Gearing will accompany Senior Lecturer in Singing, Arthur Johnston to present Franz Schubert's rarely performed masterpiece, Die Winterreise (Winter Journey).

The pair have been working on the 24-song piece on and off for the past three years.

'It is considered to be the greatest of all song-cycles. It's kind of like Mount Everest. You climb it because it's there,' Mr Gearing said.

'In classical singing circles this is the pinnacle performance piece,' Mr Johnston said.

Its not very often performed because it is so long,' he said.

'The demands are really quite great. You have to carefully manage each song.'

Written during the final year of Shubert's life, this work contains the composer's most intimate and inspirational thoughts on personal loss.

The songs were written at a time when Schubert was at the height of his compositional powers and when he was suffering the debilitating effects of a degenerative illness.

'Had he lived longer who knows that he would have done. He just covered so much ground and died at only 31,' Mr Gearing said.

Audiences will be in for an emotional journey as the story follows the experience of a rejected lover who leaves his beloved's house and town.

'It will appeal to anybody that has a feeling for great music. Anyone who has been through a situation of tremendous loss would be able to understand what the character is going through,' Mr Johnston said.

The recital will be performed in the USQ Arts Theatre on Wednesday 10 October 2007. Adults are $14, Concessions are $11.50 and children are $6.00. Ticket prices include a post-show meet-the-artist reception. For more information and to book for this exceptional performance visit the USQ Performance Centre or call +61 7 4631 1111.

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559