Deranging Schubert’s Winterreise: An Experiment in Repertoire Diversification

This essay explores the concept of repertoire diversification through a modern concert inspired by Clara Schumann and Julius Stockhausen’s 1862 performance of Schubert’s Winterreise. The modern concert, titled Winterreise-Weltreise, aimed to juxtapose Schubert’s canonical songs with compositions by non-western composers, thereby confronting geographically limited notions of classical music. The essay discusses the context of concert programming and the significance of cultural representation in classical music. Through a practice-driven analysis of the concert, the author investigates how familiar works can “anchor” unfamiliar repertoire. The study emphasises the need to name and deconstruct nationalistic frameworks in classical music, advocating for a musical landscape that acknowledges the interconnectedness of global cultures. Ultimately, this research presents a call to action for musicians and audiences alike to embrace a broader spectrum of musical voices, thereby promoting narratives of connection beyond geographical and cultural divides through artistic practice.