In the first bar of Robert Schumann's Es ist verraten the curtain rises and a glowing bolero sounds, sometimes almost mockingly, over the heartbreak they are experiencing.
A nocturne resonates, In der Nacht; tenor and soprano powerfully demonstrate what it is like when hopeless grief banishes sleep.
Before we enter the world of Brahms, we will linger a little longer in nocturnal atmospheres, but this time those of Schubert.
In a serenade, Serenade D921, this time in an arrangement for baritone, female vocalists and pianist Jan Willem Passchier, features a knock at the door of a beloved. Sounds of hope and expectation ring out. Unfortunately, the persuasive tones and glances of baritone Luka den Boer are to no avail; peace returns and the young ladies slip away.
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By now, the audience has already been treated to quite a few early romantic tribulations. Once again, space is being made for disappointment in love, perhaps even distrust, or will they go anyway A hundred thousand kisses How about? Irene Martínez de las Muelas and Daan Boertien at the piano challenge the vocalists with their passionate and fiery playing.
What a pleasure to this New Loves lied (Waltz) Op. 65 being served up with such spirit. The ensemble playing and timing of all the musicians are excellent, and that is not always easy with the limitation of a less deep stage. In varying formations and with the distribution of the poetry, the audience is spoiled with soloistic contributions.
That is how we hear passion in Nagen am Herzen and make the tenors almost let out a sob when they think of their Nonna. Hauntingly it sounds Nein, Geliebter, setze dich; how can you hide your passion?
Love has made enough wounds, but relief will come.
Amid thunderous applause, the students of Codarts Rotterdam and pianists Irene, Jan Willem and Daan take their leave. Female singers are courteously offered the arm of festival crew member Henk Bannink so they can leave the stage both elegantly and safely; one of the male singers lets himself be congratulated by Henk, and rightly so.
Hats off to all the musicians for this whirlwind performance. During Dag van het Lied 2026, Codarts Rotterdam showed how lied lives among young talent.
Joost van der Linden
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