Franz Schubert - Solitude with Schubert (George Xiaoyuan Fu; Lotte Betts-Dean)

Information

Composer: Franz Schubert

• Allegretto in C Minor, D. 915
• Piano Sonata No. 19 in C Minor, D. 958
• Schwanengesang, D. 957: I. Liebesbotschaft
• Schwanengesang, D. 957: XIV. Die Taubenpost
• Einsamkeit, D. 620
• Ungarische Melodie, D. 817

George Xiaoyuan Fu, piano

Lotte Betts-Dean, mezzo-soprano

Date: 2026

Label: Platoon

_____________________

Solitude with Schubert is the third album from rising American pianist George Xiaoyuan Fu, conceptualized as a modern Schubertiade blending solo piano works and lieder. Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic following personal loss, the album explores themes of grief, hope, and isolation through Franz Schubert’s late compositions. Bookended by short works and anchored by the Beethoven-influenced Piano Sonata No. 19 in C minor, D. 958, the program also features Australian mezzo-soprano Lotte Betts-Dean on selections from Schwanengesang and the thematic song Einsamkeit. Moving fluidly between soloist and accompanist, Fu delivers a deeply personal, atmospheric evening of song and keyboard artistry.

American pianist and composer George Xiaoyuan Fu is an internationally acclaimed soloist, chamber musician, and recording artist. A Harvard and Curtis alumnus, Fu made his concerto debut with the National Symphony Orchestra at age 17 and has since performed at elite global venues like Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall. He is a founding member of Trio Zimbalist and an adventurous composer whose original works and arrangements have received widespread praise, including recognition from NPR Music. Fu’s award-winning discography on the Platoon label includes his debut MIRRORS (2024 BBC Music Magazine Newcomer Award), Colouring Book (2025 Gramophone Award), and Solitude with Schubert.

High Resolution 24-bit / 192 kHz