Franz Schubert’s song cycle Winterreise (Winter Journey) is one of the most famous song series from the age of Romanticism. We often hear parts of the cycle, yet it is rarely performed in its entirety. The interpretations by Kārlis Zariņš / Inta Villeruša and Krišjānis Norvelis / Aldis Liepiņš are legendary in Latvia, and we also have the deeply emotional and versatile, highly intelligent version by Latvian National Opera soloist Rihards Millers and Latvian National Opera accompanist Ērika Millere, which, after the 2022 concerts in Rīga, Sigulda, and Rēzekne, were nominated for the Grand Music Award of Latvia as an Outstanding Interpretation.

The idea of the Winterreise started developing in Schubert’s mind in February 1827, as the composer’s short life was coming to an end. A new poetry cycle by Wilhelm Müller, the lyricist for Schubert’s previous cycle Die schöne Müllerin, painted a picture of the journey of an unlucky lover similar to that of the Müllerin, this time with a lot more melancholy and heartache. Schubert’s friends were quite confused when their heard the overall dark tone of the songs, yet the composer said that he held this opus in higher regard than anything else he had ever created. Our lyrical protagonist converses with his beloved, his tears like fiery roses, flames in the distance, a gleaming hope of spring, three suns shining in the skies, and an endless road ahead.

Rihards Millers is involved in many LNO productions (among his roles – Moralès, Masetto, Melchior, Poisson), and he is also passionate about performing, creating, and producing chamber music programs. He performed the part of poet Knuts in the premiere of Imants Kalniņš’ opera ‘Matīss, kauju bajārs’ at the Great Amber in Liepāja.

Ērika Millere is a highly praised accompanying pianist with vast experience in the fields of opera and vocal chamber music, as well as a strong position in international vocal competitions. 

Artists:

Rihards Millers, baritone

Ērika Millere, piano

Program: Franz Schubert, Winterreise