Hannover will soon host a compelling exploration of grief, longing, and the human condition through a unique musical and theatrical lens. On April 10, 2026, the NDR Konzerthaus will present “Cold Trip,” a performance featuring the work of contemporary composer Bernhard Lang and playwright Elfriede Jelinek, both deeply inspired by Franz Schubert’s iconic song cycle, Winterreise. This isn’t a traditional recital; it’s a reimagining, a contemporary dialogue with a 19th-century masterpiece, and a key event in the Musik 21 series.
The performance centers around Lang’s “The Cold Trip,” which directly paraphrases Schubert’s Winterreise for a modern audience. The work is presented in two parts, “Cold Trip I” and “Cold Trip II,” each offering a distinct sonic landscape. Lang, who received a Villa Concordia fellowship in 2004/05, doesn’t simply replicate Schubert’s work; he deconstructs and reinterprets it, using a combination of vocal performance and instrumental arrangements to create a new emotional resonance. The concert promises to be a powerful experience, delving into themes of isolation and despair that remain strikingly relevant today. The event is part of the Musik 21 series, highlighting new music within the NDR (North German Broadcasting) framework.
A Collaboration of Voices and Instruments
Soprano Eva Resch will lead the vocal performance, bringing her expressive voice to Lang’s complex compositions. She will be joined by Johanna Eiworth, who will recite excerpts from Jelinek’s play, Winterreise, adding another layer of textual and emotional depth to the performance. The instrumental ensemble is equally impressive, featuring Eric Schneider on piano and laptop, and a quartet of guitarists – Jürgen Ruck, Silas Bischoff, Martin Dressler, and Hubert Steiner – providing a rich and varied sonic texture. Sebastian Schottke will serve as the Klangregie, or sound director, ensuring a cohesive and immersive auditory experience.
Deconstructing Schubert: Lang and Jelinek’s Approach
Both Bernhard Lang and Elfriede Jelinek engage with Schubert’s Winterreise in distinct yet complementary ways. Lang’s musical interpretation, as exemplified in “Cold Trip I (Monadologie XXXII)” and “Cold Trip II (Monadologie XXXII),” utilizes a modern musical vocabulary to explore the emotional core of Schubert’s work. The instrumentation, particularly the inclusion of laptop and electronic elements, signals a departure from traditional classical performance. Jelinek, meanwhile, approaches the source material through the medium of theater, offering a dramatic and literary response to the themes of alienation and loss present in Winterreise. Her excerpts from Winterreise, specifically from sections titled EINS, DREI, and ACHT, will be woven into the performance, creating a multi-layered artistic experience.
Performance Details and Venue Information
The performance will take place on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 8:00 PM in the Kleiner Sendesaal of the NDR Konzerthaus in Hannover, located at Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer 22. Tickets are available for purchase, with pricing and potential discounts available through the NDR website. The NDR Konzerthaus is a prominent venue for musical performances in Hannover, and the Kleiner Sendesaal provides an intimate setting for this particular event. The NDR Landesfunkhaus, which houses the Konzerthaus, is a significant cultural institution in the region.
The program will unfold as follows: Bernhard Lang’s “Cold Trip I (Monadologie XXXII)” for four guitars and voice, followed by excerpts from Elfriede Jelinek’s Winterreise. This will be followed by “Cold Trip II (Monadologie XXXII)” for piano, laptop, and voice, again interspersed with further excerpts from Jelinek’s play, including passages from Prologue and sections titled ACHT. This structure suggests a deliberate interplay between musical and theatrical elements, creating a dynamic and engaging performance.
This performance of “Cold Trip” offers a unique opportunity to experience Schubert’s Winterreise through a contemporary lens. The combination of Lang’s innovative compositions, Jelinek’s thought-provoking text, and the talents of a skilled ensemble promises a powerful and moving artistic experience. For those interested in exploring the intersection of classical music, contemporary theater, and literary adaptation, this event is not to be missed.
Following the Hannover performance on April 10th, details regarding potential future performances or recordings of “Cold Trip” have not yet been announced. Interested audiences can stay updated through the NDR website and the Villa Concordia website for further information on Bernhard Lang’s work.
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