REVIEW: 4* Temple Song 2018 - Sophie Bevan and Julius Drake
Robert Hugill, Planet Hugill
An imaginative programme wonderfully performed, showcasing songs by the Schumanns and their circle
A visit to the Schumann's apartment in Leipzig inspired the latest of pianist Julius Drake's Temple Song recitals at Middle Temple Hall on Monday 22 January 2018. For The Schumann's At Home Julius Drake was joined by soprano Sophie Bevan to present a programme of songs by Clara and Robert Schumann and their distinguished composer visitors, imagining Felix Mendelssohn, Fanny Mendelssohn, Frederick Chopin, Franz Liszt and Hector Berlioz all visiting at the same time. The resulting soiree presented songs by each of the seven composers as well as taking in distinguished poet visitors too, Hans Christian Anderson, Joseph von Eichendorff and Heinrich Heine.
The beauty of the programme was its democratic nature, four songs from each of the composers with Clara Schumann and Fanny Mendelssohn showcased as much as their more famous husband and brother. Of the 28 songs in the recital, the majority were new to me, and illuminating experience in its own right.