Discover Schubert 200

Step inside the recording studio with our artistic director, singer and arranger Thomas Guthrie and Barokksolistene for an “Alehouse Sessions” version of the 1st song in the cycle, Das Wandern

What to expect

Our way of sharing these songs brings back this relaxed, accessible approach, creating an engaging modern version that invokes the atmosphere of the salon gatherings for which they were created.

Watch below to hear a short introduction to the project.

And enjoy Chris Glynn’s wonderful animation for Der Neugierige:

Now read Tom’s article in the Guardian about his experiences song recitals (and jokes):

‘Song recitals aren’t meant to be like this’: reinventing Schubert … with a puppet | Franz Schubert | The Guardian

Get involved

Evenings celebrating storytelling 

At MTFA we’re all about creating accessible, high-quality storytelling events. We’d love to see you at one.

In the meantime, why not watch the livestream of our recent Balham gig from
November 2023? Access is free but any donations will go to support our work and the incredible PAPYRUS – the UK charity for the prevention of young suicide.

Reviews of our Die schöne Müllerin recording

“The immediacy and vitality of the arrangements is captivating… Guthrie’s vulnerability is touching and believable… a Schöne Müllerin like no other” (Andrew McGregor, BBC Radio 3 Record Review)

“This interpretation of one of the greatest masterworks in the field of art song is a revelation. I can believe that people with an in-built negative attitude towards a genre that breathes haughtiness and artificiality can find this a tempting gateway to a new world, populated with ordinary human beings, having ordinary human feelings like happiness and sorrow, love and hate, reacting like the characters in the songs. The sharp dividing line between the cultures needs to be broken, to the benefit of everybody, and hopefully Thomas Guthrie can be the spearhead in this campaign to even out the way” (Göran Forsling, Musicweb International)

“A bold re-imagining… this is infectious stuff… there is real intimacy here… Guthrie is the perfect narrator – it really feels like he is telling a story, and as such, it feels like an hour-long story-telling… Guthrie and his players deliver – this is a plateau of Schubertian loveliness garlanded, as the song proceeds, with gossamer violin arpeggios… This Müllerin is destined to captivate and amuse” (Colin Clark, Classical Explorer)

“His voice is simply gorgeous, carrying beautiful long phrases in which he seduces with timbre… a highly successful interpretation of Schubert’s score, a recording that gets to the heart of the songs… I believe Franz Schubert himself would be proud to hear it” (Magnus Andersson, Klassekampen, Norway)

“Virile and determined, Guthrie rhapsodises about suffering, passion and jealousy… hardened in soul-fire, the words are stab-wounds cloaked in melodies… plumbs Schubert’s abysses”  (Roland H. Dippel, Concerti, Germany)

“Guthrie and Barokksolistene take Schubert’s song-cycle back to its roots… I defy any listener to stop their toe tapping…. the immediacy of the performance is utterly persuasive… one really does feel sucked into the unfolding narrative… lovely, heart-tugging, head-voice tenderness and expressive rubato” (Claire Seymour, Opera Today)

“The key to Guthrie’s fine interpretation lies in how he ties the intimacy of this role to an intimacy that on a deep level also characterises the music… the aesthetics – the way the musical elements are conveyed – are finely tuned and accurate” (Emil Bernhardt, Morgenbladet, Norway)

Review of our Balham Bowls Club performance in November 2023

**** “There aren’t many more joyful or straightforwardly attractive champions of classical music than Tom Guthrie: a serious musician… and a natural communicator… he’s introduced more first timers to the wonders [of Schubert’s two great song cycles] than just about anyone… Guthrie leads: hushed and intimate, bumptious, despairing, flitting around the emotions with Schubert’s fantasising, overemotional adolescent… I whooped and hollered along with everyone else” (Robert Thicknesse, Opera Now)

Reviews of our London performance in 2021 in Middle Temple Hall

**** “The performances were simply terrific throughout. Tremendous stuff” (Guardian)

“Guthrie’s arrangement for Eike and the Barokksolistene is superb – a fusion of folk, soundtrack and even jazz that finds unexpected new accents and colours in the familiar cycle” (The Arts Desk)

“(The approach) shines a light on Die schöne Müllerin as a wonderfully structured piece of narrative… a thoroughly worthwhile achievement…” (Bachtrack)

“highly effective… the audience loved it” (Planet Hugill)

“My friends said what are you doing going to that high-falutin’ place!?! But it was amazing. Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow. I was in floods of tears by the end. I just believed the puppet was alive every second, and the music was so beautiful. Now I get what it’s all about. I felt I belonged” (Audience reaction)

“It was just the most magical, wonderful evening. Thank you, thank you” (Audience reaction)

This performance was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3

Listen to the first album

Donate to Schubert 200

---

Like by what we do? Want to be part of empowering change through the arts? 
From storytelling and engaging high quality accessible live events, to our Lewisham Creative Chorus and Urban Operas, we wouldn’t be able to continue the work we do without your regular support. Support our wider work with a monthly donation from as little as £3 a month: everyone’s treated equally, no matter what you give. Thank you – your donation really makes a difference.