The song cycle “Winterreise” is normally presented as a descent into madness and depression, but for Colorado Mesa University Professor of Music Graham Anduri, the story speaks a bit differently.

“To me, this cycle fits perfectly into the archetypal pattern of The Hero’s Journey, in which the main character emerges from the depths of despair with newfound knowledge and enlightenment,” Anduri said.

Anduri held a musical recital covering the song cycle on Sept. 6, in Love Recital Hall. The song cycle of “Winterreise” is a collection of 24 songs that describe a psychological journey through a dark night of the soul.

Singing baritone, with Professor of Music Adam Kluck on piano, Anduri had projections of the lyrics translated to English, along with accompanying pictures. 

“[The song cycle] is also a fascinating look into how our mental states can be affected negatively by the ways in which we approach the things in our lives, and how to come out of those dark moments of despair,” Anduri said.

Performing arts faculty are expected to partake in scholarly activity, which usually means musical recitals. There are faculty recitals every few weeks, that feature a variety of songs and professors. 

“This was written a century before Freud and Jung really codified the field of modern Psychology, but it creates such a striking psychological picture of the human condition. It really is meant to be a mirror for all of humanity to look into and see some element of themselves in this character,” Anduri said.