Winterreise, or Winter’s Journey, was composed in 1827, just a year before Schubert’s premature death. The song cycle contains some of his greatest music – by turn highly emotional, desolate and spare, and with a sense of alienation and loss that makes the listener shudder even after repeated hearings. Schubert was especially proud of these songs, writing to his friend and fellow composer Josef von Spaun: ‘I will sing you a cycle of eerie songs.

These 7 works comprise J.S Bach’s complete output of German motets – in stark contrast to his prolific cantata output of over 200 works. German motets occupied a specific place in the canon of liturgical music in the 16 – 18 centuries. They were performed solely by the choir schools during services, the congregation remaining silent. Consequently, the writing is more complex than that found in works where the congregation could join in. It was customary for two motets to be sung at Sunday services, Vespers, weddings, funerals church induction ceremonies, inaugurations and university gatherings.

The second instalment of the Poenitz cycle on Brilliant Classics presents works for solo voice, accompanied by harp(s) and harmonium. The unique instrumental colours lend a special atmosphere to these intimate and deeply felt works, often on sacred texts. Franz Poenitz was not only a virtuoso on the harp (as is clearly evident in the rich and complex writing for his instrument in this music) but also an accomplished painter, one of his creations adorns the cover of the CD. New recording, with liner notes written by a descendant of Poenitz, Mr Andreas Fischer.