"Lines of Life: Schubert & Kurtág" by Benjamin Appl is a captivating journey through the realms of Romantic German lieder and contemporary vocal pieces. Released on Alpha Classics on February 14, 2025, this album seamlessly intertwines the timeless compositions of Franz Schubert and Johannes Brahms with the evocative works of György Kurtág, five of which are world premiere recordings.
Benjamin Appl, the acclaimed German baritone, delivers a masterful performance, showcasing his exceptional vocal range and emotional depth. The album features a diverse collection of 22 tracks, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes. Among the highlights are Schubert's enchanting "Ganymed" and "Der Wanderer an den Mond," Brahms' poignant "Die Rosen," and Kurtág's profound "Hölderlin-Gesänge" and "Physalis alkagengi."
A unique aspect of this album is the inclusion of an interview with György Kurtág himself, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the composer's intent and the creative process behind these remarkable pieces. The majority of Kurtág's songs on this disc are a cappella, demonstrating Appl's versatility and the wide emotional range of these compositions.
"Lines of Life: Schubert & Kurtág" is not just a collection of songs but a testament to the enduring power of music to connect us with our shared humanity. Benjamin Appl's impeccable artistry and the exquisite performances make this album a compelling addition to any music lover's collection.
2025 Alpha Classics / Outhere Music France2025 Benjamin Appl & Deutschlandradio & Alpha Classics / Outhere Music France
Tracks
CircumdederuntGyörgy Kurtág, Benjamin Appl
Ganymed, D. 544Franz Schubert, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
Das Angenehme dieser Welt…György Kurtág, Benjamin Appl
Totengräbers Heimweh, D. 842Franz Schubert, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
Nun versteh‘ ich…György Kurtág, Benjamin Appl
Im Frühling, D. 882Franz Schubert, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
Dass sie hier gewesen, D. 775Franz Schubert, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
Hölderlin-Gesänge, Op. 35a: No. 1, An. . .György Kurtág, Benjamin Appl
Hölderlin-Gesänge, Op. 35a: No. 2, Im WaldeGyörgy Kurtág, Benjamin Appl
Hölderlin-Gesänge, Op. 35a: No. 3, Gestalt und GeistGyörgy Kurtág, Benjamin Appl, Csaba Bencze, Gergely Lukác
Hölderlin-Gesänge, Op. 35a: No. 4, An ZimmernGyörgy Kurtág, Benjamin Appl
Hölderlin-Gesänge, Op. 35a: No. 5, Der SpaziergangGyörgy Kurtág, Benjamin Appl
Hölderlin-Gesänge, Op. 35a: No. 6, Tübingen, JännerGyörgy Kurtág, Benjamin Appl
Der Wanderer an den Mond, D. 870Franz Schubert, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
Litanei auf das Fest Allerseelen, D. 343Franz Schubert, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
Die RosenGyörgy Kurtág, Benjamin Appl, Pierre-Laurent Aimard
Die ZeitGyörgy Kurtág, Benjamin Appl, Pierre-Laurent Aimard
Ich weiss nicht…György Kurtág, Benjamin Appl, Pierre-Laurent Aimard
Physalis alkagengiGyörgy Kurtág, Benjamin Appl, Pierre-Laurent Aimard
Der Jüngling an der Quelle, D. 300Franz Schubert, Benjamin Appl, György Kurtág
5 Lieder, Op. 47: No. 3, SonntagJohannes Brahms, Benjamin Appl, György Kurtág
Interview with György KurtágGyörgy Kurtág, Benjamin Appl
Vinylscout
