Peabody Institute: Das Italienische Liederbuch Projekt
Free
- Arlene Shrut, piano
By the late 1880s, Hugo Wolf was a musician quickly approaching 30 who hadn’t exactly established a music career. He studied piano and composition at the esteemed conservatory today called the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where he befriended Gustav Mahler, championed Richard Wagner, and became an opera devotee. He also never managed to write anything that caught the ears and minds of his peers or teachers, and an impudent attitude resulted in dismissal. A decade of music teaching and accompaniment and chasing cheaper rent followed, all while Wolf started composing songs and exploring ideas of his mature style that eventually made him one of the most cherished songwriters of his era. For Italienisches Liederbuch (1890), a collection of 46 songs for piano and voice, Wolf set German translations of short Italian folk verse to his deft and unique harmonic and melodic languages. Sixteen Peabody voice students sing selections of Wolf’s work as part of Das Italienische Liederbuch Projekt, a concert following the residency of Levi Family Distinguished Visiting Artist and pianist Arlene Shrut, who will be working with and performing alongside the Peabody students.
This performance will be livestreamed. In-person attendance is limited to Johns Hopkins University and Peabody Conservatory students, faculty, and staff only. Audience members must wear face coverings. All seating is general admission and capacity will be limited due to COVID precautions.