Winterreise Programm SuperBrass Macheiner

PETER

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Post on Nov 21, 2024

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Winterreise Programm SuperBrass Macheiner: A Blast from the Past (and a Few Lessons Learned!)

Hey music lovers! So, I recently stumbled across some old photos from a Winterreise performance by the SuperBrass Macheiner, and it totally took me back. Man, what a gig that was! It was, like, ten years ago now – time flies, right? It reminded me of some seriously valuable lessons I learned about putting together a killer concert program, especially when you’re dealing with a piece as iconic as Schubert's Winterreise.

The Challenge of Winterreise: More Than Just a Song

First off, let's talk about Winterreise itself. It's not your average, upbeat concert piece. I mean, it's Schubert's Winterreise! It's intense, melancholic, and emotionally demanding. It's a cycle of 24 Lieder – that's German for art songs – and each one tells a part of this heartbreaking story of loss and despair. Getting that across, musically, is a huge challenge. You know, my old band, we tried to make it fun — more of a party vibe — and it just didn't work. Total flop. People were expecting something completely different.

Programming for Impact: My Biggest Mistake (and How to Avoid It!)

My biggest mistake with that Winterreise program was trying to cram too much in. We had the full Winterreise, plus some random brass arrangements of pop songs. Seriously. We thought it would be a crowd-pleaser, a mix of old and new. It was a mess. The contrast between the deep emotion of Schubert and, like, a brassy version of "Bohemian Rhapsody" was jarring, to say the least. It was like throwing spaghetti at a wall and hoping something sticks. It didn’t. It was a total disaster! The audience was confused, and frankly, so were we.

Lesson learned: Don't be afraid of thematic unity. A focused program is way more impactful than a jumbled mess. If you're featuring Winterreise, lean into it. You could consider a program that explores themes of winter, loss, or journey. Maybe pair the Winterreise with other pieces that explore similar emotional territory. Something like some other Lieder from the same era, maybe. A small selection of other appropriate pieces could add more depth to the evening.

SuperBrass Macheiner's Approach: What Worked (and Why)

The SuperBrass Macheiner, though, they killed it. I remember their concert vividly. They focused purely on Schubert; really honing in on the Winterreise arrangements. It wasn't just about the music; it was about the story. They used lighting, staging, and even some spoken-word narration to enhance the experience. It was incredibly effective. People were totally captivated. They understood it wasn’t just about musical talent, but the power of telling a story.

Pro-Tip: Consider the overall narrative of your program. How do the different pieces relate to each other? How can you use staging and lighting to create a cohesive experience for your audience? Think about it as more than just a concert; think of it as a theatrical performance that is driven by storytelling.

Marketing Your Winterreise Program: Beyond the Posters

Finally, getting people to actually attend is key. We messed this up too. We just put up some posters, hoping for the best. No one showed up!

Here’s what to do better:

• Target your audience: Who are you trying to reach? Classical music enthusiasts? Fans of Schubert? Tailor your marketing materials to speak to their interests.
• Use social media: Promote your concert on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Share photos, videos, and behind-the-scenes content to build excitement.
• Collaborate: Partner with local organizations or businesses to expand your reach.
• Early bird tickets: Offer discounts for those who purchase tickets early. This creates a sense of urgency, and the early birds make sure the event is at least half full!
• Consider an online ticket sales platform: It's easier for your potential audience to buy tickets directly from your website; this also helps with marketing.

So, there you have it. My Winterreise program woes, and how to avoid making the same mistakes. Remember, planning a great concert takes more than just picking the right pieces. It's about creating a complete artistic experience. Good luck, and break a leg!