Schubert/Beatles
NYFOS, 2025
9/10
The New York Festival Of Song spotlights Theo Hoffman, Steven Blier and Kunal Lahiry, as well as the guests Julia Bullock and Andrew Owens for this innovative blend of classic songs.
The harmonic and warm “The Word” starts with Hoffman’s soaring baritone alongside Sam Weber’s flowing bass, and “Here, There And Everywhere” follows with soft piano from Blier and much beauty via the gorgeous singing from Hoffman.
Further along, the playful nature of “Taxman” welcomes Rubén Rengel’s well timed violin and Bullock’s expressive soprano, while “If I Fell” is a highly intimate moment via the soulful baritone and Owen’s breezy tenor.
Residing close to the end, “Yesterday” showcases Rengel’s meticulous strings amid Hoffman’s emotive and powerful pipes that also recruits sophisticated keys, and “Im Frühling, D.882” exits with Lahiry’s precise piano and much poeticism for the touching finish.
Another truly outstanding effort from NYFOS, this creative pairing of Schubert songs with Beatles songs of similar themes makes for a technical and moving experience.
Travels well with: NYFOS- Paul Bowles: A Picnic Cantata; Will Liverman and Jonathan King- Show Me The Way