Page 146 - Winterreise Coverage Book, 2021 - 22

When not distorted by technical problems, the performance was exquisite. Appl is swiftly
becoming a leading Schubertian (his recording of Winterreise will be released next month
on the Alpha label), and his warm, buttery voice proved capable of mining the obsessive
inner turmoil of the protagonist’s winter journey. He had an equal partner in Baillieu,
whose pearly tone and sensitive musicality revealed the pathos from the few songs that
could be heard in full on Wednesday.

“Die Wetterfahne” took on bold urgency as Appl captured the anger of one spurned by a
lover’s rejection. “Gefrorne Tränen” glowed in the baritone’s fluent rendition, with his
sudden fortes conveying the intensity of an intrusive depressive thought. Those qualities
carried over into “Erstarrung,” which Appl sang with a clarion voice while Baillieu’s figures
rose and fell in waves.

In “Der Lindenbaum,” Appl sang with inviting warmth, as if caught up in a fond memory.
Playing in free-flowing tempo, Baillieu offered gentle flourishes to underscore the song’s
subtle transformations in mood. Appl also offered a searching “Wasserflut,” the music
lingering tastefully as the cycle’s protagonist gets lost in a moment of despair. “Auf dem
Flusse” unfolded gracefully over Baillieu’s sturdy accompaniment. “Rückblick” turned again
toward anger, with Appl softening his tone for the momentary reflection that comes at
song’s end.

But the buffering problems robbed “Rast” of its pensive world weariness and
“Frühlingstraum” of its dreamy elegance. The emotional effects of the cycle’s second half
were also lost in a maddening series of interruptions, the music freezing mid verse and
jumping ahead in awkward fits. This is not the kind of suffering that Schubert envisioned.

The stream offered some visual consolation at least with blue and red lighting that echoed
the emotional essence of each song. Still, the hapless broadcast obliterated any lyrical
beauties rendered by Appl and Baillieu, who carried on throughout with poise and
professionalism.

The Celebrity Series said that the stream would be corrected for on-demand viewing. One
hopes so. Appl and Baillieu deserve better. So, too, does Schubert.
_________

Editor’s Note: The Celebrity Series released the following statement late Thursday:

“We regret that there were connectivity issues during Benjamin Appl and James Baillieu’s
performance of Winterreise last night. As we continue to encounter new challenges with
technology, our team is striving to capture and present the artistry and spirit of the
performance in the best way possible. We will continue working with our partners to ensure
continuity of broadcast for future livestream events.”

The stream of the recital will be available on demand through February
1. celebrityseries.org