A Bold and Brash Tribute: Schubert Unrasiert at Bar&Co

Theater Drachengasse [ENA] Tonight Bar&Co came alive with an electrifying mix of music, humor, and sheer artistic ingenuity as four graduates of the Max Reinhardt Seminar took the stage for Schubert Unrasiert. This wasn’t your typical homage to Franz Schubert, one of the world’s most celebrated composers. It was a fresh, irreverent, and thoroughly engaging reimagining of his legacy—a Liederabend unlike any other.

What set Schubert Unrasiert apart was its bold departure from traditional interpretations of Schubert’s work. The premise was simple yet profound: take the “ground” of Schubert’s timeless music and dance on it with a three-day stubble of jazz, folk, rock, and genre-defying creativity. This audacious approach breathed new life into Schubert’s compositions, making them accessible to a modern audience without losing their essence.

The quartet—Lenya Gramß (vocals, piano), Johannes Deckenbach (arrangements, piano, trumpet, vocals), Nils Hausotte (bass, drums, vocals), and Eren Kavukoğlu (guitar, vocals)—seamlessly blended their diverse talents to create a performance that was as technically impressive as it was emotionally resonant. Their chemistry and collective energy lit up the room, captivating the audience from start to finish.

One standout moment was the transformation of “Die Forelle” into a playful yet poignant dialogue between vocals and instruments, showcasing the quartet’s ability to inject humor and spontaneity into their performance. Similarly, the haunting beauty of “Winterreise” was reimagined with a contemporary edge, its themes of longing and despair resonating deeply with the audience.

Beyond the music, Schubert Unrasiert was a theatrical tour de force. The quartet’s acting chops were on full display as they interwove storytelling, humor, and cultural commentary into the evening’s program. The show’s irreverent tone was epitomized by the playful exploration of Schubert’s character: who was Franz Schubert, really? From musings about his potential aversion to online dating to cheeky references linking Schubert to Donald Trump, the performers delivered a witty and thought-provoking narrative that kept the audience in stitches.

This theatricality reached its zenith in a hilarious skit imagining Schubert’s struggles with modern fame and social media, complete with tongue-in-cheek commentary on “rizz”—a slang term for charisma that seemed both absurd and oddly fitting in the context of Schubert’s enduring allure. The performers’ comedic timing and improvisational skills were impeccable, adding a dynamic layer to the evening that went far beyond a standard concert experience.

The success of Schubert Unrasiert lay in the seamless collaboration between its four performers. Lenya Gramß’s vocals were a revelation, her voice effortlessly shifting from classical purity to soulful grit, while her piano playing anchored the performance with both sensitivity and power. Johannes Deckenbach’s arrangements showcased his deep understanding of Schubert’s music and his ability to reinvent it in surprising ways. His trumpet solos added a jazzy flair that was both unexpected and delightful.

The atmosphere at Bar&Co was electric, with an audience that was as diverse as the performance itself. Young and old alike were drawn into the quartet’s world, their laughter and applause a testament to the universal appeal of Schubert Unrasiert. The intimate setting of the venue only added to the magic, creating a sense of connection between performers and audience that made the evening feel personal and unique.

Schubert Unrasiert was more than just a Liederabend; it was a celebration of creativity, courage, and the transformative power of art. By reimagining Schubert’s music with a modern twist, the quartet not only paid homage to the composer’s genius but also made his work relevant and accessible to a contemporary audience. Their fearless approach, combined with their exceptional talent and infectious energy, resulted in a performance that was as thought-provoking as it was entertaining. For anyone who believes that classical music belongs in the past, Schubert Unrasiert was a powerful reminder that great art knows no boundaries. It’s a show that deserves to be seen, celebrated, and remembered—a testament to the enduring legacy of Franz Schubert