What People Say – Art Sung

Critics

The Songs and Life of Clara Schumann, devised by Elizabeth Mucha with a skilful audio-visual presentation by Art Sung, was a moving tribute to the composer, still underrated in her bicentenary year. ….particular praise for the contribution of Elizabeth Mucha, as both programme deviser and pianist. The whole thing (performances, programming, visuals) was hugely impressive and enjoyable.

Barry Millington, Chief Music Critic, Evening Standard /

“fascinating … a clever little show about the life and (many) loves of Alma Mahler…a dramatized recital using singers, actors and projections to evoke the heady atmosphere of Vienna in the 1900s”

Michael White / Daily Telegraph, Opera Now, Classical Music, Ham & High /

“an engaging multi-media event”

Robert Hugill / planethugill.com /

“a strong production featuring a female character whose divisive story will resonate with many women today”

“The meaning was accessible to all which is something often overlooked when performing classical music to a modern audience”

Blossom Caldarone / Arts Award Voice /

Audience

I had arrived feeling uncertain whether I would enjoy the music of Clara and Robert Schumann, and I left with a very moving impression of them and their songs. You have discovered a special format for presenting music and the history of musicians.

You succeeded in making such connections with aplomb

I hadn’t known quite what to expect so it was all a wonderful revelation… a very imaginative idea and beautifully realised…[Gay Soper’s] portrayal of Clara was very convincing, and both singers were superb with really amazing voices and considerable acting skills

I loved this. As a Wigmore Hall regular, I wasn’t sure when I booked, but the added context made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening. I will definitely come again

…engaging and beautiful.

Excellent pianist and other performers – a well researched and sympathetically delivered account of Alma Mahler’s life.

I think the lieder are accessible as they are but I loved the way they were used in the story.

Even among serious music lovers Lieder seems to be something of a minority taste. Setting it in its musical and cultural context might win more listeners.