Winterreise is one of the greatest, most compelling and intense of all vocal song cycles. For the first of his explorations into the world of art song, Matthew Gee has turned to Schubert’s work in this unique arrangement for trombone and piano. English titles are used for the poems to emphasise the fact that text is no longer the primary expressive vehicle here. Instead, it is entrusted to the trombone, an instrument whose vocal qualities and ability to employ glissando, vibrato, portamento and microtonal inflections – allied to the use of various mutes – offers an astonishing array of tonal possibilities.

Matthew Gee has been principal trombone with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra since 2010, and also holds principal positions with the Aurora Orchestra and Septura. His passion for the trombone has driven him to release two solo albums – Paradiso e inferno, and Matthew Gee’s Amazing Sliding Circus. Gee has performed with orchestras and ensembles all over the world and has recorded many film and television scores. As a soloist Gee has performed internationally and has had a number of works written for him. He has performed and taken masterclasses at many festivals. Gee is President of the British Trombone Society and takes an active part in promoting the trombone and developing its repertoire. He is a Getzen artist.

Christopher Glynn is a Grammy award-winning pianist and accompanist, working with leading singers, instrumentalists and ensembles in concerts, broadcasts and recordings throughout the world. He is also artistic director of the Ryedale Festival, programming around 60 events each year in the many beautiful and historic venues of Ryedale, North Yorkshire. Glynn has performed with many of the top singers in the UK, and also appears with many chamber ensembles, choirs including The Sixteen, and instrumentalists such as Rachel Podger, Adrian Brendel, Julian Bliss and Matthew Gee. His many accolades include the accompaniment prize in the 2001 Kathleen Ferrier Awards and the 2003 Gerald Moore Award. He has made many recordings, and is regularly heard on BBC Radio 3.