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Christopher Maltman: Schubert Series

Acclaimed baritone Christopher Maltman has released the complete Schubert song cycles Die Schöne Müllerin, Winterreise and Schwanengesang, on Wigmore Hall Live. Recorded over a series of live dates, Maltman has collaborated with one of the world’s foremost authorities on the lieder repertoire, piano-accompanist Graham Johnson.

Christopher Maltman talks to Ian Burnside about the Schubert Series

Coined by Maltman as the ‘pinnacle of the lieder repertoire’ the complete Schubert song cycles are one of the most demanding works in the whole repertoire, more often undertaken by the tenor voice.

The first release, Die Schöne Müllerin, in April 2011, was Schubert’s first complete song cycle, composed at the age of just 26. Running the gamut of the emotional spectrum, the work requires the singer to draw upon a full range of moods, from raw emotional turmoil and unpredictability, to introspection and ultimately resignation. Maltman states that the work requires a ‘certain vulnerability’ in its portrayal of the lovelorn young miller, and to achieve this, he and Johnson chose to transpose several of the songs back up to the outer reaches of the baritone range, closer to that of the tenor.

The duo’s decision to take the voice out of its comfort zone and embrace the tension this produces undeniably adds to the colour and characterisation which Maltman brings to the work: ‘These musical masterpieces present an endless pursuit and a constant re-examination.’

Maltman’s teaming with Graham Johnson is a triumphant partnership. Johnson, described by Maltman as the ‘definitive accompanist who leaves no stone unturned’ is one of today’s leading authorities on Schubert lieder. The next release in the cycle will be Winterreise in September 2011, followed by Schwanengesang in 2012, the live performance of which was critically-applauded:

‘Maltman's pianist was Graham Johnson, whose focused, detailed playing reminded us just how far Schwanengesang redefined the role of the accompanist’ The Guardian, April 2010.

Maltman’s decision to undertake these substantial recordings as a live project was a considered choice: ‘…the live recording experience is where the real beauty lies; the little points, the little imperfections, the emotional stress, give the performance an organic feel, a rawness. It dials everything back to the most important element – the live performance.’

Reviews for Die Schöne Müllerin

‘…Maltman’s ardent, impulsive, intensely lived performance, partnered and inspired by the ever-illuminating Johnson, should be heard by anyone who loves the cycle.’ Richard Wigmore, Editor’s Choice, Gramophone (June 2011)

‘…Maltman brings great poise, fresh insight and a great instrument to bear in a reading that immediately engages the listener…’ Classical Music Magazine – 5* review (April 2011)

Reviews for Winterreise

‘remarkable for its robustness, force and energy …[this is] singing of such bracing rigour and forthright emotion’ Daily Telegraph - 4* review (August 2011)