Wandering as an expression of inner searching, a central motif of Romanticism, was a recurring theme in Schubert's artistic work. Well-known examples include the grand “Wanderer Fantasy” for piano and “Winterreise.” “Die schöne Müllerin” (The Fair Maid of the Mill) also takes up this theme: the song cycle tells the tragic story of a young journeyman who falls in love with a miller's daughter during his travels. Initially full of hope and joie de vivre, the young man soon realizes that his love is unrequited—the miller's daughter is instead interested in a handsome hunter. Driven by unrequited love and growing despair, the miller's apprentice ultimately meets his death in a stream. The stream has accompanied the wanderer from the very beginning, thus becoming a mirror to his soul. While it initially flows merrily along, guiding the way to the mill, it later becomes a trusted friend before falling silent and finally transforming into a comforting companion and last resting place.
With this setting of Wilhelm Müller's poems, Schubert created nothing less than a new form: a cohesive narrative in the form of a song cycle. He masterfully succeeded in translating the mood swings and emotional transformations of the main character into music. From hopeful songs brimming with joie de vivre; through the despair of unrequited love; to somber, resigned tones, a vast emotional arc unfolds, reflecting the protagonist's growing sense of loneliness.
Tickets are CHF 43 for adults and CHF 23 for youths and students.

Website
klanglichter.ch/event/2026-05-09-das-wandern-und-die-liebe/

Where
Obere Fabrik
Gerbegässlein 1
4450 Sissach

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