Carl-Loewe-Musiktage Unkel

Carl Loewe — the „King of the Ballad“

Carl Loewe (1796–1869) was one of the most important song composers of the German Vormärz and Romantic periods. Known primarily for his narrative ballads — „Erlkönig“, „Edward“, „Tom the Rhymer“ and many others — he is considered a pioneer of the art song narrative format. His works were performed throughout Europe during his lifetime, were partly forgotten in the 20th century, and have been rediscovered in recent decades. The Carl-Loewe-Musiktage in Unkel is one of the few festival-like formats dedicated to his work.

Concert Venues in the Old Town

The concerts take place in various historic buildings in Unkel's old town: in the parish church of St. Pantaleon, in historic townhouses, in the Adenauer House, in the Willy Brandt Forum, in galleries, and salons. The acoustics of the rooms — from intimate to sacred — suit the diversity of the musical formats.

Programme Structure

Over the approximately nine days, there will be song recitals with baritone, bass, and tenor, piano recitals, chamber music (string quartet, piano trio), lecture recitals with musicological introductions, and occasional song workshops with young singers. The repertoire revolves around Loewe, but extends to Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Mendelssohn, and composers of the Romantic era.

Profiles

The Carl-Loewe-Musiktage attract an audience that appreciates classical song and chamber music — and not least the special ambiance of the historic rooms in the cultural city of Unkel. Many visitors come from Bonn, Cologne, the Westerwald, and the Middle Rhine region; some travel from all over Germany.