Winterreise

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Franz Schubert’s Winterreise ( Winter Journey ), a cycle of 24 songs for voice and piano set to poems by Wilhelm Müller, was created in the autumn of 1827, a year before Schubert’s death. The cycle is not only considered a pinnacle in Schubert’s songwriting but also the summit of the German art song in general. In 24 snapshots, Schubert kaleidoscopically unfolds the mood of a lost, wounded, and lonely character. Few works of art have so profoundly expressed the existential and torn nature of human existence. The German composer Hans Zender adapted the cycle under the title: Schubert’s Winter Journey – a composed interpretation. Zender’s version for tenor and small orchestra, premiered in Frankfurt in 1993, is much more than a simple orchestration. Just as sensitively as radically, it reveals the disturbing potential of the cycle and approaches Wilhelm Müller’s poems once again in its own way. Zender delves into the darkest regions of human existence. With his interpretation, he brings forth emotions that pulsate beneath the surface in Schubert’s work and uncovers the eerie layers in the depth of the music. Similar to Hans Zender, Christian Spuck’s staging is less about illustrating the external stations of the traveler and more about engaging in an extensive abstraction with the cycle. In a blend of large ensemble scenes and a variety of intimate solo images, Christian Spuck embarks on a journey into the innermost depths of human nature, exploring timeless themes such as love, longing, alienation, and abandonment. Winterreise was premiered by the Zurich Ballet in October 2018 and awarded the prestigious «Prix Benois de la Danse» in 2019. Christian Spuck will be creating a new Berlin version of his choreography with the Staatsballett Berlin.

Program and cast

Choreography And Staging: Christian Spuck

Music: Hans Zender

Bühnenbild: Rufus Didwiszus

Costumes: Emma Ryott

Lighting Design: Martin Gebhardt

Dramaturgy: Christian Spuck, Michael Küster, Katja Wiegand

Musical Direction: Jonathan Stockhammer

Staatskapelle Berlin

Tenor: Magnus Dietrich

State Opera Unter den Linden

Staatsoper Unter den Linden is one of Berlin's most prestigious opera houses, with a rich history and significant cultural impact.

 

History:
The Staatsoper Unter den Linden was originally built between 1741 and 1743, under the direction of architect Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff. It was commissioned by Frederick II of Prussia and was initially named the Königliche Oper (Royal Opera). The opera house has undergone several renovations and reconstructions, notably after World War II damage. It reopened in 1984, following a major renovation.

 

Construction:
The original design was characterized by its Baroque style, featuring an elegant façade and a grand entrance. The building was reconstructed in the 1950s and 1980s, maintaining its classical exterior while modernizing the interior. The façade features a classic portico with six Corinthian columns and a prominent central pediment.

 

Interior:
The interior is known for its opulent and classical design. The auditorium is renowned for its acoustics and grandeur, with luxurious velvet seats and elaborate decorations. The stage and seating areas have been updated to meet modern performance standards while preserving historical aesthetics.

 

Concerts and Performances:
The Staatsoper Unter den Linden hosts a variety of performances, including operas, orchestral concerts, and ballet. It is home to the Staatskapelle Berlin, one of Germany's leading orchestras. The opera house is celebrated for its high-quality productions and its role in Berlin’s vibrant cultural scene.

 

JOURNEY

The Staatsoper Unter den Linden has completely barrier-free access due to its excellent public transport connections.

ADDRESS: Unter den Linden 7; 10117 Berlin

SUBURBAN RAILWAY
S+U Friedrichstraße (S1, S2, S5, S7, S25, S75)

 

SUBWAY
Hausvogteiplatz (U2)
Museumsinsel (U5)
Stadtmitte (U2, U6)
Unter den Linden (U5, U6)

 

BUS
Staatsoper (100, 245, 300)
Unter den Linden/Friedrichstraße (100, 147, 245, 300, N6)

 

PARKING
Q-PARK parking garage Unter den Linden/Staatsoper
Bebelplatz, 10117 Berlin
There are five electric charging stations in the parking garage. Further information can be found here.

The underground car park on Bebelplatz offers disabled parking spaces and direct access to the opera house. On entering the car park between 5.30pm and 11.30pm, the maximum parking fee is €7. To use this tariff, enter your parking ticket in one of the pay machines and the message »Theatertarif« will appear on the display. Please note that it is not possible to use the tariff if you enter the car park before 5.30pm. so it will not be shown on the display. TIP: If you pay the theatre tariff at the pay machine before the event, you can avoid unnecessary waiting after the show.

Wikipedia
© Caroline Mackintish
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