This is acclaimed baritone Christopher Maltman's first instalment of his Wigmore Hall Live recordings of the three major Schubert song cycles – Die schöne Müllerin, Winterreise and Schwanengesang. Recorded over a series of live dates, Maltman has collaborated with one of the world’s foremost authorities on the lieder repertoire, piano-accompanist Graham Johnson. 

Coined by Maltman as the “pinnacle of the lieder repertoire” the complete Schubert song cycles are one of the most demanding works in the whole repertoire, more often undertaken by the tenor voice. 

Die schöne Müllerin was Schubert’s first complete song cycle, composed at the age of just 26. Running the gamut of the emotional spectrum, the work requires the singer to draw upon a full range of moods, from raw emotional turmoil and unpredictability, to introspection and ultimately resignation. 

Maltman states that the work requires a “certain vulnerability” in its portrayal of the lovelorn young miller, and to achieve this, he and Johnson chose to transpose several of the songs back up to the outer reaches of the baritone range, closer to that of the tenor. The duo’s decision to take the voice out of its comfort zone and embrace the tension this produces undeniably adds to the colour and characterisation which Maltman brings to the work: “These musical masterpieces present an endless pursuit and a constant re-examination.” 

Maltman’s teaming with Graham Johnson is a triumphant partnership. Johnson, described by Maltman as the “definitive accompanist who leaves no stone unturned” is one of today’s leading authorities on Schubert lieder.Maltman’s teaming with Graham Johnson is a triumphant partnership. Johnson, described by Maltman as the “definitive accompanist who leaves no stone unturned” is one of today’s leading authorities on Schubert lieder.