"The protagonist of 'Winter Journey' is an extremely universal human being. Anyone can relate to this work," said world-renowned baritone Matthias Goerne at a press conference on June 18.
The Hanse Yes24 Cultural Foundation will host the concert 'Summer Listening to Winter Journey' on June 21 at the Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul. The performance will feature Goerne alongside acclaimed pianist Sunwoo Ye-kwon, presenting Schubert's iconic song cycle 'Winter Journey.'
The masterpiece 'Winter Journey' consists of 24 songs set to poems by German poet Wilhelm Müller, depicting the inner journey of a wanderer who embarks on a solitary winter path following the heartbreak of love. Goerne emphasized that during a past performance in the Arctic, where scientists from around the world gathered, despite language and cultural differences, everyone was moved by the work, highlighting its power to transcend borders and cultures.
He noted that Schubert sought to find hope rather than cynically despairing about life, which he believes can offer solace to modern audiences. In an era where communication is diminishing, this message is particularly significant.
Goerne remarked, "After arriving in Korea, I went to a restaurant and saw a family of five, including parents and children, all staring at their phones or tablets while eating. If we do not communicate, the result is loneliness." He added, "In the face of the threat of artificial intelligence, if we do not engage in conversation, a serious crisis may arise," emphasizing the importance of 'Winter Journey' as a reminder of human existence.
With 37 years of experience on stage, Goerne stated that time and experience have influenced his interpretation of the work. He explained, "As I age and the world changes, I accumulate various experiences, and all those experiences, emotions, and energies are reflected in my performance. While the direction of the performance itself has not changed, various elements have been added over time."
Sunwoo Ye-kwon, collaborating with Goerne for the first time, expressed his excitement, saying, "I am happy to work with him. He is a musician I have respected for a long time. The song cycle feels like an intimate conversation. In a solo performance, I lead the breath entirely on my own, but in a collaborative effort, there is much more that resonates emotionally."
Bae Soo-mi, director of the Hanse Yes24 Cultural Foundation, stated, "'Winter Journey' is a work where 24 songs create a grand narrative, and it can be interpreted differently depending on the performer's life and experience. In our first 'Winter Journey' concert, we showcased the intense wandering of young artists, and this time we want to present a seasoned and profound world."
Meanwhile, the concert will be offered free of charge to enhance public access to culture and promote the social value of the foundation's activities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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