I had fairly high expectations for this concert, Franz Schubert: Master Storyteller by Benjamin Appl and Sholto Kynoch, which was also the opening concert of this year’s Oxford International Song Festival, for three reasons. Firstly, I had heard their wonderful performance back in May in Heidelberg, Germany. Secondly, I have been a lover of Lieder for as long as I can remember. Thirdly, we were in the cradle and birthplace of some of the greatest stories in the world, such as The Lord of the Rings, Narnia, and Alice in Wonderland. This year’s theme, “Stories in Song,” immediately captured my attention. And the concert lived up to all my expectations.
It was a grandiose storytelling night in song form, with every piece composed by Schubert. Each song was like a miniature short story, and together they formed a great book of musical tales. From blissful melodies of spring and hope, we were taken to wander under a moonlit mountain. A lyre decided what it wished to sing, and I especially loved Alinde. I had known and loved the song before, but hearing it live for the first time made it even more moving.
Each verse of Alinde carried us through different moments after sunset: as the moon rose and the stars brightened, the night deepened until its darkest hour. The protagonist searched for his beloved Alinde, but there was no clue, no consolation as the stars disappeared. At that moment, something profound happened.
I discovered new favourite songs that were unfamiliar to me, such as Die Gebüsche and Nachtviolen. Having recently read Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, listening to Erlkönig almost brought me to tears. It reminded me of the scene where Agnes (William Shakespeare’s wife) fights against her children’s illness, and of Shakespeare racing home to them. I highly recommend the book and look forward to the screen adaptation, coming on 9 January 2026.
During the Song Sofa event with Benjamin the following day, a lady shared that after a major life event, a familiar song can sound entirely different, revealing new depths of emotion. That reflection stayed with me. Songs and stories truly connect us — a universal language that brings people together. The fond memory of Benjamin and his grandfather, portrayed in Schubert’s Nachtstück, transported me to the mountaintop of Nebelhorn.
The Oxford International Song Festival continues until 25 October 2025. If you are anywhere nearby, give yourself the chance to be moved by the music and its stories.
Events attended at the Oxford International Song Festival:
Franz Schubert: Master Storyteller – Benjamin Appl & Sholto Kynoch
Date: 10 October 2025
Time: 8:00 pm – 9:20 pm
Location: The Olivier Hall, St Edward’s School
Song Sofa – Benjamin Appl, Sholto Kynoch & Katy Hamilton
Date: 11 October 2025
Time: 10:45 am – 11:45 am
Location: Holywell Music Room
Concert Review: “Fischer-Dieskau 100 – Ein Leben in Liedern”
https://thejourney-writing.com/2025/05/concert-review-fischer-dieskau-100-ein-leben-in-liedern.html