Benjamin Appl, the acclaimed German baritone, presents "Forbidden Fruit," a captivating and thought-provoking album released on Alpha Classics. This 41-track collection, spanning 69 minutes, is a unique exploration of the timeless theme of desire and its consequences, inspired by the biblical tale of the forbidden fruit from the Garden of Eden.
Collaborating with pianist James Baillieu, Appl delves into a rich tapestry of songs and arrangements that span various languages and musical styles. The album features works by renowned composers such as Franz Schubert, Gustav Mahler, and Francis Poulenc, among others. Each piece is meticulously selected and performed, offering a profound and engaging journey through the complexities of human desire, temptation, and their repercussions.
The album's program is a fascinating blend of well-known pieces and lesser-known gems, all tied together by the central theme of forbidden fruit. From the hauntingly beautiful "Gretchen am Spinnrade" by Schubert to the evocative "Lorelei" by Johannes Brahms, Appl's powerful vocals and Baillieu's masterful piano accompaniment bring each piece to life with remarkable depth and nuance.
"Forbidden Fruit" is not just a collection of songs but a cohesive narrative that invites the listener to reflect on the universal themes of love, longing, and the consequences of our choices. The album is presented with full texts and translations, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the poetry and storytelling that underpin each piece.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Forbidden Fruit" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Benjamin Appl's artistry and James Baillieu's pianism combine to create an album that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
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
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