Schubert’s settings of the poets Rellstab, Heine and Seidl were not in fact intended by the composer as a unified set. They were put together posthumously as a cycle by the publisher Tobias Haslinger, but there is no doubt that they stem from a unique moment in Schubert’s final months and sit well together if only through the force of their groundbreaking, heart-wrenching musical quality. German bass-baritone Christian Immler is a renowned Schubert interpreter and is well established as one of today’s leading song singers, and we are delighted to welcome him back to the Festival following his recent memorable appearances. Joined by the esteemed pianist Julius Drake, this is sure to be an exceptional performance of this extraordinary music.