Page 204 - Winterreise Coverage Book, 2021 - 22

But I have to admit, I found quite a lot of the film distracting. Pondering this after
the event, I suspect it is because I have my own internal image of the lonely
wanderer and for me, he (or she) is not in an awe-inspiring Alpine landscape, but
rather trudging along a snowy road, in a flat, featureless landscape only
occasionally relieved by a signpost, a village, a stream….. I also found some of
Appl’s acting a little contrived – he didn’t always seem entirely comfortable (and
presumably quite cold!) out in the snow drifts, and, for me, he was always far more
convincing when inside the building with Baillieu (and there are some wonderful
moments when he sings seated at the pianist’s side, a nod, perhaps, to the way the
songs would have been performed in Schubert’s day).

However, for those less familiar with the narrative and/or the music, the film is an
excellent introduction, the story compellingly matched in striking images and
impressive sound quality which allows us to fully appreciate and enjoy composer,

music and of course the musicians.

‘Winter’s Journey: Schubert’s Winterreise’ is available via the BBC iPlayer and
Marquee TV worldwide.

Winter Journey: Schubert’s ‘Winterreise’ – Behind the scenes