The ensemble “lied23” has now opened the new Carl Bechstein Hall in Berlin-Spandau. An oasis of culture has thus begun blossoming in the middle of an industrial area. The Carl Bechstein Foundation is building a collection of historic keyboard instruments here – but also presenting concerts on modern instruments, as was the case with this “Klassik in Spandau” event.
The pianist Manuel Lange – professor for song interpretation at the Hochschule für Musik in Detmold – had gathered a top-class vocal quartet around him with Carine Tinney (soprano), Bettina Ranch (mezzo-soprano), Jussi Myllys (tenor) and Sebastian Noack (bass). Their program included the Spanish Song op. 74 and the Minnespiel op. 101 by Robert Schumann, combined with songs by Johannes Brahms. It was all about love, of course, and from individual songs to duets to quartets, the theme was varied in many ways. Ravishing voices unfolded in the Carl Bechstein Hall – escorted by a lied pianist who accompanied sensitively, but who also knew how to set his own accents excellently on the C. Bechstein concert grand D 282.
The new Carl Bechstein Hall has found its home at the Kaiser’s Coffee Roastery, built in 1906/07, a place of industrial culture that has gained even more charm through its generous renovation. The busy Brunsbütteler Damm is so far away that one did not have to endure any disturbing background noise even when the windows were open due to corona regulations. And the acoustics in the almost sold-out hall (which was occupied by only 100 instead of 200 seats due to the pandemic) were praised by all after the concert.
The cooperation with “Klassik in Spandau” will be continued. Thus, there is already great anticipation for the “Long Night of the Piano” on Saturday, September 4, 2021, starting at 6 pm. The piano professors Markus Groh, Christian Petersen and Manuel Lange will play works by Schubert, Schumann and Brahms. Tickets are available on the Klassik in Spandau website.