The album's title, 'Heimat', is a German word that is difficult to translate directly into other languages, and Benjamin Appl considered 'identity', 'homeland', or 'belonging' as possible English equivalents.
Interpretation
The album is structured as a 25-part lyrical journey, starting with a Prologue and moving through themes like Roots, Locations, People, On the Road, Yearning, and Without Frontiers, before concluding with an Epilogue.
Performer Biography
Benjamin Appl studied with the renowned German baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau until Fischer-Dieskau's death in 2012.
Interpretation
Benjamin Appl's programming decisions for this album were influenced by the English Lieder pianist Graham Johnson, known for his thematic programming that links songs through conceptual relations, tempo, and tonality.
Performer Biography
Benjamin Appl, the baritone, moved to London in 2010 with only three suitcases to further his studies, experiencing both freedom and uncertainty.
Historical Context
Adolf Strauss, the composer of 'Ich weiß bestimmt, ich werd' dich wiedersehen', wrote this dance song in 1944 shortly before being deported from Terezín to Auschwitz, where he was murdered at age 42.
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