Sheila Chisholm
Dr Barry Smith (DMus) is not only well known as an organist, choir master, orchestral conductor, author and musicologist, his lectures at UCT Summer Schools are famous for their easy-to-understand intellectual content.
As part of UCT’s first Winter School in many years, on 18 August at the Baxter Concert Hall, Dr Smith is presenting a lecture/performance titled Simply Schubert. Supported by top South African musicians, Dr Smith is sharing his knowledge of Franz Schubert’s The Shepherd on the Rock and his magnificent Octet in F Major.
Wonderful lieder
Although Schubert died before his 32nd birthday he composed over 600 works, so it seemed natural to ask why Dr Smith chose these two particular works? In that quiet patient manner he has, Dr Smith replied “As a youngster I became fascinated by Schubert’s music when I saw the musical Lilac Time. On a more serious level my music-student days at Rhodes University compounded my interest – particularly his wonderful lieder. Adding to that I had a “lieder singing” uncle who frequently tossed sheet music at me expecting me to sight read it as he sang.
“As to why I chose The Shepherd on the Rock – apart from its unusual combination of soprano, clarinet and piano – it’s buoyant cheerfulness contrasted with a deeply melancholy moment, are symbols of life continuing. Thus it becomes historically significant, written as it was, shortly before Schubert’s death on 19 November, 1828. Multi-sectional, I will discuss these in my lecture before presenting Elsabe Richter (soprano) Daniel Prozesky (clarinet) and myself at piano to perform it.”
“Why?”, I asked, “is Schubert’s 1824 Octet in F Major D803 rarely performed?” With a gentle sigh Dr Smith replied “Principally because the work demands eight top soloists. Gathering such a team together at the same time isn’t easy. Fortunately we have Patrick Goodwin (1st violin), Piet de Beer (2nd violin), Karen Gaetner (viola), Peter Martens (cello), Roxanne Steffen (double bass), Daniel Prozesky (French horn) and Simon Ball (bassoon).”
Commissioned by the famous clarinettist Ferdinand Troyer, the Octet’s basic structure is similar to that of Beethoven’s Septet Op 20. Except Schubert added an additional violin.
“Schubert’s Shepard on the Rock and his Octet are remarkable works. To hear these in one evening I invite music lovers to join me at 8pm on 18 August at the Baxter Concert Hall.”
Who: Dr Barry Smith
What: UCT Winter School – Simply Schubert lecture
When: 18 August, 2017
Where: Baxter Concert Hall
Book: 021 650 2888, ems@uct.ac.za
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