Music lovers are in for a treat at this year's Schubert festival in Perth, Scotland. Organisers of the fourth annual UK Schubertiad which takes place in Perth Concert Hall from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 October have unearthed a treasure trove of previously unheard private recordings of Schubert recitals that they will be playing for festival goers in between live performances.
Among the rare gems to be aired in public for the first time at the event is a recording of the final Edinburgh International Festival recital by Fritz Wunderlich before his untimely death in 1966. Further finds, from Lord Harewood's private collection, include performances by Sviatoslav Richter with Benjamin Britten, Julius Patzak and the Amadeus Quartet with William Pleeth.
Thrilled at the discovery of the recording rarities which came to light after some digging in the archives of the Mechanical Performance Society, James Waters, Schubertiad director said:
"We have really marvellous artists lined up for the live performances at Schubertiad. Being able to sprinkle these historic recordings in amongst the concerts throughout the weekend is really the icing on the cake and is going to make for a memorable experience of complete immersion in great Schubert performances both past and present."
A line-up of internationally acclaimed performers will be taking to the stage in the acoustically magnificent Gannochy auditorium in the five year old venue to deliver a rich assortment of works by the celebrated Austrian composer over the three days of the Schubertiad.
The song inspired programme welcomes some new faces to the festival as well as bringing back some Perth Concert Hall favourites.
Vienna State Opera star baritone Adrian Eröd a first time Perth performer, is joined by pianist Helmut Deutsch to open the Schubertiad on Friday 8 October with what for many listeners remains the greatest of all song cycles - Schubert's Winterreise .
Exciting young mezzo soprano Stefanie Irányi makes her Perth debut singing Schubert Lieder on the theme of aspects of womanhood on Saturday 9 October. Accompanied by Helmut Deutsch, songs include Gretchen am Spinnrade and der Tod und das Mädchen.
One of the leading pianists of today Steven Osborne returns to Perth Concert Hall to play Schubert's unforgettable last piano sonata on Saturday 9 October. Steven's performance of this timeless masterpiece has the unusual footnote that Steven himself chose Perth Concert Hall's Steinway on which he will be playing!
Acclaimed Lieder singer James Gilchrist is joined by pianist Anna Tilbrook for the evening concert on Saturday 9 October for a performance of Schubert's emotionally charged first song cycle Die schöne Müllerin .
Perth favourites the Doric String Quartet kick off Sunday 10 October's live performances with the lyrical and haunting Rosamunde Quartet.
Schubert's music for wind ensemble is rarely performed. The Illuminati Wind Ensemble rectifies this on Sunday 10 October with a rendition of the charming Wind Octet as well as arrangements of numbers from opera Alfonso and Estrella.
Pianist Alasdair Beatson and friends Tom Gould on violin and Philip Higham on cello bring proceedings to a close on Sunday evening with Schubert's beautiful Trio Notturno, Impromptus D935 and finish off with the great B flat Piano Trio.
Whether a confirmed Schubert lover, or a fan in the making, the combination of the top quality line-up of musicians along with the opportunity to hear these original recordings, attend talks with the performers and most importantly the chance to appreciate the musical genius of Franz Schubert - makes Schubertiad 2010 an unmissable event.
Situated in the heart of some of the UK's most stunning countryside, Perth is the perfect location for this annual celebration of romantic music. Romantic composers were inspired by nature, and many, including Schubert who set the words of Sir Walter Scott to music, revered Scotland's reputation as a country of outstanding beauty.
The Schubertiad is created by Horsecross Arts, the creative organisation behind Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre. Tickets are available from Horsecross Box Office, call 01738 621 031 or click here