The Erlkings' new programme is a celebration of Beethoven and Schubert that contrasts them in clever arrangements for unusual instrumental combinations. Among other items, they revisit the original blueprints for the art song, namely Beethoven’s short song cycle «An die ferne Geliebte» and some of his stand-alone songs such as «Adelaide» and «Ich liebe dich». In the programme's second half the Sturm und Drang of Beethoven is contrasted with the deeply empathetic world of Schubert. Song such as «An den Mond» and «Gretchen am Spinnrade» underscore just how much the art of song composition developed between Beethoven and Schubert. For Beethoven's songs the ensemble will enhance its already unique sound with the wonderful mandolin playing of Neapolitan virtuoso Marcello Smigliante Gentile.