Benjamin Appl, the acclaimed baritone, teams up with pianist James Baillieu to present "Forbidden Fruit," a captivating exploration of temptation, prohibition, good, and evil through the lens of classical song. Released on Alpha Classics on June 23, 2023, this album spans a diverse repertoire, featuring works by composers such as Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, and Francis Poulenc, among others. The album's title serves as a metaphor, allowing Appl and Baillieu to delve into themes of sensuality, innocence, and corruption, all within the intimate setting of vocal and piano music.
With a running time of 1 hour and 9 minutes, "Forbidden Fruit" is a rich tapestry of 42 songs that traverse various moods and narratives. The album opens with "I Will Give My Love an Apple" and closes with an arrangement of Gustav Mahler's "Urlicht," creating a compelling journey through the human experience. Highlights include settings of Goethe's "Ganymed," Schubert's "Gretchen am Spinnrade," and Poulenc's "Chansons gaillardes," each brought to life with Appl's nuanced storytelling and Baillieu's sensitive accompaniment.
Appl and Baillieu's collaboration is marked by a warm and confiding acoustic, drawing the audience into the heart of each song. The album's release coincides with Appl's celebrated Carnegie Hall debut in 2023, further cementing his status as a rising star in the classical music world. "Forbidden Fruit" is not just an album; it's a thought-provoking exploration of timeless themes, presented with artistry and depth by two of today's most compelling musicians.
2023 Alpha Classics / Outhere Music France2023 Benjamin Appl
Tracks
I Will Give My Love an AppleAnonymous, Benjamin Appl
Requiem, Op. 48: VII. In paradisum (Arr. for Piano by James Baillieu)Gabriel Fauré, James Baillieu
The Lord God had planted a garden in EdenAnonymous, Benjamin Appl
The Apple OrchardIvor Gurney, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
The Lord God Took the Man and Put Him in the Garden of EdenAnonymous, Benjamin Appl
Goethe-Lieder: No. 50, GanymedHugo Wolf, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
YoukaliKurt Weill, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
It is not Good for the Man to Be AloneAnonymous, Benjamin Appl
Chansons gaillardes, FP 42: No. 6, L'offrandeFrancis Poulenc, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
Gardens of pleasureAnonymous, Benjamin Appl
À ChlorisReynaldo Hahn, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
4 Lieder, Op. 36: No. 1, Das RosenbandRichard Strauss, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
Mörike-Lieder: No. 32, An die GeliebteHugo Wolf, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
Adam and His Wife Were Both Naked, and They Felt No ShameAnonymous, Benjamin Appl
3 Songs, Op. 3: No. 2, Now sleeps the Crimson PetalRoger Quilter, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
And They Became One FleshAnonymous, Benjamin Appl
Italienisches Liederbuch: No. 17, Und willst Du deinen Liebsten sterben sehenHugo Wolf, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
3 chansons de Bilitis, L. 90: No. 2, La ChevelureClaude Debussy, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
You’re Free to Eat From Any Tree in the GardenAnonymous, Benjamin Appl
Chansons gaillardes, FP 42: No. 5, Couplets bachiquesFrancis Poulenc, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
Brettllieder: No. 7, Arie Aus dem Spiegel von Arkadien "Seit ich so viele Weiber sah"Arnold Schoenberg, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
The Fruit of the Tree Was Pleasing ro the Eye / Just a Gigolo (Arr. for Voice and Piano by James Baillieu)Leonello Casucci, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
To a Devil, EG 154Edvard Grieg, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
Now the Serpent Was More Crafty Than Any of the Wild AnimalsAnonymous, Benjamin Appl
Le bestiaire, FP 15: No. 1, Le SerpentFrancis Poulenc, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
But of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil You Shall Not EatAnonymous, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
Romanzen und Balladen, Vol. III, Op. 53: No. 2 LoreleiRobert Schumann, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
Romanzen und Balladen, Vol. I, Op. 45; No. 2, FrühlingsfahrtRobert Schumann, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
You will be like God, knowing good and evilAnonymous, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
12 Lieder, Op. 9: No. 7, Die NonneFanny Mendelssohn, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
She Took of Its Fruit and Ate / Kann Denn Liebe Sünde SeinLothar Brühne, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
The SnakeJake Heggie, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
The Eyes of Both of Them Were OpenedAnonymous, Benjamin Appl
Heidenröslein, D. 257Franz Schubert, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
Gretchen am Spinnrade, D. 118Franz Schubert, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
Balladenbuch, Op. 18: No. 2, Die Ballade zum Paragraphen 218Hanns Eisler, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
The Serpent Tricked Me, and I AteAnonymous, Benjamin Appl
Lieder und Gesänge aus "Wilhelm Meister", Op. 98a: No. 4, Wer nie sein Brot mit Tränen assRobert Schumann, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
He Placed Cherubim To Guard the Way To the Tree of LifeAnonymous, Benjamin Appl
Requiem, Op. 48: VII. In paradisum (II) (Arr. for Piano by James Baillieu)Gabriel Fauré, James Baillieu
Symphony No. 2: IV. Urlicht (Arr. for Voice and Piano by James Baillieu)Gustav Mahler, Benjamin Appl, James Baillieu
Benjamin Appl is a renowned German baritone whose voice has been celebrated for its rich, masterful quality, reminiscent of the great old masters of song. With a career marked by deep personal and artistic connections, Appl has paid tribute to his mentor, the legendary Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, through performances that blend song, readings, and personal anecdotes. His collaborative spirit is evident in his work with pianists such as Simon Lepper and James Baillieu, with whom he has created memorable concerts and recordings. Appl's discography includes a heartfelt Christmas album recorded in his hometown of Regensburg, showcasing his deep roots and musical versatility. Beyond his performances, Appl is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists, sharing his experiences and insights as a pupil of Fischer-Dieskau. His artistry transcends mere musicality, offering audiences a profound and intimate experience.
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Benjamin Appl
