Work: Auf Flügeln des Gesanges (On Wings of Song), Op.34 no.2

Bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni, in splendid voice and with great eloquence, traces the development of the Lied from Mozart to Schubert at the Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ in Amsterdam.

For whatever reason, performers have always seemed to fear the fourth wall. They are content to let their music speak for itself, and any attempt to address the audience verbally is often considered lowbrow. This makes sense in some regards, as it facilitates the image of performer as master and lends artistic integrity to the music.

This was the first concert of Oxford Lieder's new season, and setting the bar pleasingly high for those who will come after was the partnership of tenor John Mark Ainsley, veteran of concert and opera stage alike, and Roger Vignoles, a name synonymous with the highest levels of professionalism in the accompaniment of song.