Benjamin Appl (baritone), James Baillieu (piano)

I loved this intelligently balanced programme of Liszt, Rubenstein, Dvořák and Schumann songs. However, the beautiful songs from Terezín, that terrible concentration camp, were a marvellous surprise and touched nerves I never knew I had. Surprisingly light, ironic and wistful, the anonymous ‘Terezín song’ made me smile, whereas Ilse Weber’s simple lullaby ‘Wiegala’ now haunts me.

Ballieu and Appl, masters of delicacy, had no problem making the generous church acoustic ring even with the quietest tones, almost silence. Their encore, Richard Strauss’ ‘Morgen’, with its yearning introduction, promise of happiness and blissful melancholy, gave perfect closure to this exquisite recital.

All Saints’ Church, 15 May 2015

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