Page 148 - Winterreise Coverage Book, 2021 - 22

Jon Gonda’s lighting design emphasizing Appl and nearly eclipsing Baillieu seemed an
affront to the intertwined lines of Winterreise. On the other hand, Antonio Oliart Ros’s
sonic mix gave full attention to the piano. Director Rob Fagnant switched filming angles
tastefully, but the closeups of the pianist often appeared muddy.

Post hoc, the Celebrity Series announced that they would make a glitch-free version
“continuously available.” Within 24 hours, the recital had redeemed itself, proving if
not quite spellbinding, then certainly intelligent and, at many moments, riveting.

In the opening Gute Nacht (Good Night), Appl seemed to just miss the agonizing conflict
and ambivalence of unrequited love and the motivation of the traveler inherent in the
music,. Yet by the second song, Die Wetterfahn (the Weathervane), he—and Baillieu—
blended intent and effect. In Gefror’ne Tränen (Frozen Tears), they truly reached the
depth of despair that flows through the work and remained, to my taste, on target.
Erstarrung (Numbness) amplified the mood, in minor mode, rife with an undercurrent
of passion.

So much of Winterreise seems foreboding, particularly in January in the midst of the
pandemic, though great performances can invoke the cold of winter and deep personal
despair during any season. In the midst of the angst and despair, a few sunnier songs,
such as Der Lindenbaum (the Linden Tree), provided respite. And two in major keys—
Frühlingstraum (Dreaming of Spring) and Die Post (The Post) conveyed hope. Though
each poem and setting is a gem, the cycle conveys a despairing sweep. No one should
remain dry-eyed after the concluding Der Leiermann (The Hurdy-Gurdy Man).

There are so many performances and recordings—not only by Fischer-Dieskau (7
pressings, and countless performances!) but also Hans Hotter, Hermann Prey, Matthias
Goerne, Gerard Souzay, Jon Vickers, Thomas Hampson, Jonas Kaufman, as well as by
mezzo sopranos, among others, Brigitte Fassbaender, Christa Ludwig, Alice Coote and
Joyce DiDonato. And, considering the essential role of the piano in Winterreise, notable