Page 153 - Winterreise Coverage Book, 2021 - 22

Baritone Benjamin Appl and pianist James Baillieu perform at Moody
Performance Hall. (Jason Janik / Special Contributor)

Appl explored a big dynamic and timbral range, capturing intimacies as
well as angry protests and desperation, and everything in between. Fitting
the emotions of the moment, always word-driven, Appl’s handsome lyric
baritone could summon bold clarion tones as well as granular low notes
and silken croons.

Anything but an “accompanist,” Baillieu was at least Appl’s expressive
equal. Again and again, a subtle shift of color, a chord exquisitely balanced,
a telling hesitation before a pivotal downbeat shed new light on the music. I
can’t recall another pianist so daringly delaying that magical shift from
minor to major mode in the opening “Good Night,” before the words “I will
not disturb you as you dream.” It was the stuff of chills down the back.

The audience was given full texts and translations, and was remarkably
silent turning the stapled pages. I’m not sure what to make of the shifting
mood lighting, but it didn’t bother me. It was good to be there.

CORRECTED at 10:10 a.m. Jan. 31: An earlier version of this review
misidentified the recital series sponsor as the Hart family. It is the Titus
family.