Hampson and Sidorova's Unconventional Schubert Review
The Unconventional Approach
Schubert's Winterreise, a great psychodrama in song, ends devastatingly with Der Leiermann conjuring a chilling vision of a hurdy-gurdy man. This haunting song, with its anchoring drone, inspired an unusual collaboration between veteran US baritone Thomas Hampson and Latvian accordionist Ksenija Sidorova.
The Performance
The concert swapped piano for accordion and framed Schubert with songs by Kurt Weill and a tango by Piazzolla, creating a 'street music' feel. However, the performance began to feel like a vanity exercise due to the lack of programme notes, texts, or translations. Edited highlights of Winterreise were presented, with Sidorova's accordion providing a different interpretation of the piano parts.
The Data Analysis
- Programme duration: barely 70 minutes
- Pieces performed: Schubert's Winterreise (edited highlights), Kurt Weill's songs, Piazzolla's tango, and Sergey Voytenko's Revelation
The Impact Analysis
The performance raised questions about style over substance in classical music collaborations. While Hampson's diction helped convey the emotions in quiet legatos, Sidorova's accordion playing lacked subtlety compared to the piano. The addition of party pieces, including solos by Sidorova and Hampson's renditions of Kurt Weill's songs, felt like a departure from the main theme.
The Prediction
Future collaborations between classical musicians and unconventional instruments may face similar challenges in balancing style and substance. The success of such performances will depend on the artists' ability to create a cohesive and meaningful programme that engages the audience.