The Austrian composer Franz Schubert's "Winterreise" (Winter Journey), a series of 24 poems penned by the German poet Wilhelm Müller and set to music for voice and piano, is being brought to the stage with the interpretation of the Modern Dance Community İstanbul. "Winterreise" narrates a dramatic journey that begins when the poet realizes his beloved has fallen in love with someone else. The traveler, having lost his love and living in solitude, leaves his village and loved ones behind after learning this bitter truth, questioning his own existence and the meaning of life.
This work, along with "Die schöne Müllerin" (Op.25, D.795), is one of the two major song cycles Schubert composed based on Müller's poems. Although both pieces were originally written for tenor, they have been transposed numerous times to suit other voices. Incorporating all the fundamental elements of the German Lied, it has had a significant impact not only stylistically but also on the vocal method and technique in German classical music as a whole. Schubert has placed the pianist and the soloist who will perform the work on an equal footing in terms of importance. Thus, the piano rhythms continuously depict the poet's mood. Additionally, the piano adds an impressive richness to the poems' depictions related to nature.
The libretto and direction of the piece, which features Deniz Özaydın, Evrim Akyay, Emre Karaca, Huri Murphy, İsmet Köroğlu, Mert Öztekin, and Tuğçe Göncü as choreographers, are credited to Mert Öztekin. The Lieder composed by Schubert are interpreted by baritone Kevork Tavityan and the string quartet consisting of Aslı Ceren Gürkan, Pınar Gizem Korkmaz, Verda Gül, and Gözde Öcal Güvemli.
The visual concept design of the evening belongs to Burhan Yücel, while the decor and costume design are by Olcay Engin Kaymaz. MDTistanbul aims to draw attention to paper waste and contribute to recycling by using waste papers from İstanbul State Opera and Ballet and various institutions in the set design of this work.
