Benjamin Appl with James Baillieu

In a programme of lieder named Heimat this coupling of baritone and piano once again delighted the audience with a fine selection of songs and exquisite musicianship. There is something powerful about their performing relationship and it was be wrong to brand Baillieu an accompanist, his part in delivering these works is essential and the utterly sympathetic way in which they relate is magical. Appl was in fine voice and clearly enjoying this collection that included Brahms and Schubert. I particularly enjoyed the Richard Strauss and the Poulenc and the Adolf Strauss was an inspired inclusion. A group of english songs added charming balance although there was a slightly sinister edge to Appl’s delivery of Home Sweet Home – which I rather enjoyed. The Epilogue section of the programme, Sechs Lieder by Grieg, was a perfect conclusion to the evening which they topped off with a little known and delightful Grieg song.

The setting of the Theatre Royal lent a warmth and intimacy to the whole and the soft acoustic worked well for them.

15 May

Theatre Royal Brighton

Andrew Kay

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