This tribute album from baritone Benjamin Appl and pianist James Baillieu honors Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau’s centenary. “The first time I heard his voice was at school when I was twelve,” says Appl. “In 2009, I applied for his master class at the Schubertiade in Schwarzenberg which was the start of a long and transformative relationship. I was fortunate to work with him on my entire repertoire over countless hours in his homes in Berlin and Berg.”

For Dieter, a CD and book of 140 pages with personal text written by Appl alongside numerous previously unpublished photos and letters, offers a look at a more private Fischer-Dieskau, outside his public successes and accolades. The repertoire is structured to reflect the major stages of his life, including compositions by family members Albert and Klaus Fischer-Dieskau, repertoire he sang as a soldier during the Second World War and as a POW in Italy, commissions composed especially for him, and some of his favorite Schubert lieder.