Page 106 - Winterreise Coverage Book, 2021 - 22

French melody or other art forms such as the Russian song.
And places like Ritmo Hall are also the ones that are

phenomenally committed to the song – where there are 80 or
90 song recitals a year. Unfortunately, there is nothing
comparable in Germany yet.

Amazing, especially since the songs do not come from their own

culture. Would you go so far as to say that this fluctuating
relationship to song in Germany also has something to do with
Germany's eternal struggle with its own identity?

Benjamin Appl: Certainly. I think that the song depicts German

history in an incredibly concrete way. I have my problems with
the word "proud". But I really think that here in Germany we can
be very, very proud of this very special art, for which we are
envied internationally - also in Asia, Japan, Korea, America,

South America. Everyone envies us for this art form, and we
are not aware that this conglomerate of text and music is
unparalleled worldwide at this incredibly high level. And this

pride, we should show it a little more.

What do you love about London? What do you enjoy?

Benjamin Appl: London has changed a lot since Brexit, I have
to admit. When I came to London in 2010, it was really an
incredibly vibrant city. I see it as the musical center of the

world, a link between America and Europe, where there is a
cultural offer - not only in classical music - like in no other city.
And that was something very special for someone who comes

from Bavaria. As I said, it has changed a bit, but I hope that
may come back.

Moderation: Beate Scheibe