Schubert composed Winterreise shortly before his death in 1828, when he was only 31 years old. The singer wanders like a lost soul in hostile terrain, beset by conflicting emotions, yet consoled by memories of a sweeter time. Benjamin Appl comments: "Every time I perform it, Winterreise gives me the feeling of a new and different journey, depending on my mood, the atmosphere of the hall, and, of course, the creativity shared with the pianist. For singers, Schubert's wanderer is a lifelong companion, but it is an intimidating companion because we are faced with all the remarkable interpretations that already exist. The challenge for each singer is not to be inhibited, to find new ways to understand and convey the words and music to their own generation. In his composition, Schubert leaves room for that." As Benjamin Britten said: "Every time I return to it, I am amazed not only by its extraordinary mastery but also by the renewal of the magic. Each time, the mystery remains." With his preferred partner James Baillieu, Benjamin signs here his first recording for Alpha Classics, the first steps of a rich and eclectic journey.