Invented in 1823 by the Viennese luthier Johann Georg Stauffer, the latter instrument is derived from the guitar but played with a bow. The only work in its repertoire is Schubert’s “Arpeggione” Sonata, which is more often performed today on the viola or cello. In Gruyères, however, it will be played by gambist Amélie Chemin in its original version, on an instrument specially built for the occasion after a Stauffer arpeggione. The concert will also feature the same work played in more familiar guise by Belgian cellist Didier Poskin.

Was Schubert a guitarist? Like Berlioz, Rossini and Paganini, he certainly played the instrument occasionally. And like them, he also sometimes composed with a guitar, and published guitar accompaniments to some of his Lieder. The instrument was highly fashionable in the 1820s in Vienna, and Schubert himself owned a beautiful Stauffer instrument.

Schubert’s music will be in the fore during the week of concerts in Gruyères with a performance of Der Winterreise given by the Swiss singer Michel Brodard, with Véronique Carrot accompanying on a Viennese fortepiano. Guitars will also be much in evidence with solo and duo recitals devoted to the virtuoso repertoires of Guiliani, Legnani, Sor and Schubert. Performers include Russian guitarists Anna Kowalska and Anton Birula and the outstanding Belgian player Raphaella Smits. 

As is the case every year, the main attraction of this 6th festival will be the instrument-building workshop organised in the chateau, with participants building a “Legnani” model of Schubert’s Stauffer guitar. This delicate work, open to public viewing, will be carried out under the watchful eye of Swiss luthier Maurice Ottiger. To sum up, the 2008 Festival theme – romantic music with guitar – will be illustrated with guitar and singing master classes, lectures, an exhibition on the romantic guitar, and of course the instrument building workshop and concerts.

To enrol in the workshop or consult programme details: www.anselmus.ch