California Lutheran University presents tenor Christopher M. Cock as he performs “Winterreise,” Opus 89 by Franz Schubert in Samuelson Chapel. In his brief lifetime, Franz Schubert wrote two of the most significant song cycles in the history of Western composition: “Die Schöne Müllerin” and “Winterreise.” In the year before he died, Schubert gathered a group of his friends to introduce them to the epic cycle, “Winterreise.” In response to their cautious reaction to the melancholy mood of this group of songs, Schubert is reported to have said, “I like these songs best of all, and you will come to like them, too.” Two hundred years of performance tradition have reaffirmed Schubert’s view that his cycle, “Winterreise,” would become among the most performed vocal works of all time. Tenor Christopher Cock will be accompanied by Nicole Lee on piano.
Cock, director of choral and vocal activities at Valparaiso University, holds the Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Chair in Lutheran Music and is director of the Bach Institute. Through his activities as a choral music educator and as a distinguished solo artist, Cock has forged a unique career path, combining the roles of conductor and performer. As a solo artist, his extensive range and communicative performances have established him as a premier lyric tenor with wide critical acclaim. He has now sung more than 50 performances of his signature role as Bach Evangelist around the world.
Donations accepted. For information, call the Music Department at 805-493-3306 or visit www.callutheran.edu/music.
