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Oxford Festival Stuns with Unique Musical Pairing
14 Oct
Summary
- Benjamin Appl masterfully linked Schubert lieder with Kurtág miniatures.
- The concert featured young artists Ellen Mawhinney and Daniel Silcock.
- The Holywell Music Room was filled for the innovative program.
The Oxford International Song festival continues its tradition of creative programming with a recital by Benjamin Appl that uniquely paired the works of Franz Schubert with György Kurtág.
This innovative concert, held within the 280-year-old Holywell Music Room, drew a full house, demonstrating the festival's ability to attract diverse audiences. The evening commenced with a captivating aquatic-themed performance by the festival's Young Artists, Ellen Mawhinney and Daniel Silcock.
Baritone Benjamin Appl, known for his interpretive depth, skillfully connected Schubert's songs of love, longing, and loss with Kurtág's concentrated, often unaccompanied miniatures. Appl shared insights into his intensive work with Kurtág, highlighting the composer's exacting nature.
Appl's unforced delivery rendered Kurtág's challenging Hölderlin-Gesänge with both intensity and profound beauty, while his rendition of Schubert's pieces like 'Viola' conveyed deep emotional resonance. James Baillieu's astute accompaniment provided essential narrative drive throughout the program.
