Lied ohne Worte was commissioned by the Ruhr Piano Festival for Alfred Brendel's 75th birthday. First performed (as Lied) on 9 August 2006 with Adrian Brendel and Till Fellner, Wuppertal, Historische Stadthalle, Germany. Variationen was commissioned by Adrian Brendel. First performed by Adrian Brendel and Till Fellner on 14 October 2007, Wigmore Hall, London. Bogenstrich was commissioned by Winery Alois Lageder and Cheltenham Music Festival. World premiere of complete cycle on 22 May 2009 with Roderick Williams (baritone), Adrian Brendel (cello), Till Fellner (piano), Margreid, Alto Adige, Italy.