THE German idea of Heimat, the theme of this recital, does not translate easily. It encompasses homeland, and yearning for it, but also nostalgia for one’s family and native roots and the people we have loved there. Definitions apart, Benjamin Appl and Simon Lepper, baritone and piano, left a much clearer idea of Heimat in the minds of all who heard this glorious performance.

Appl was the last private pupil of Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. He has many of the great man’s characteristics: firm, virile tone, impeccable diction and, above all, an unerring ability to make instant contact with his audience. But this was not mere slavish imitation; Appl is his own man. And Lepper sculpts with his keys.

The nub of the recital came in the section entitled Yearning: two Schubert songs. Das Heimweh was a miniature marvel, capturing the essence of longing. Der Wanderer distilled the wanderer’s search for that greener grass of Arcadia. From a sinister, angry start it sidled into daydream, building castles in the air, before lapsing back into lonely sighs: ‘Happiness is always elsewhere’. In the hands of this remarkable duo, it was wonderfully gripping.

Along the way, we visited many moods. There was Schubert’s jocular loner, loving reminiscence from Brahms, bitter recollections tinged with roses in Grieg, and brave tenderness from Adolf Strauss, facing the gas chambers.

A final, English group proved that we can do dreamy melancholy too. Appl and Lepper brought fresh insights everywhere. An unforgettable morning.