Review: Christian Immler

Christian Immler started by apologising for a cold.

Sympathy, however, was redundant when it became plain he performs better with a cold than some singers without one.

It was an excellent concert for two reasons. Firstly, the programme neatly illustrated the breadth and depth of American song from Bernstein and Barber to Carter and Cole Porter via Korngold and Eisler.

Secondly, Immler clearly relishes this repertoire and has the intelligence, technique and personality to bring it to vibrant life.

His voice is astonishing in its range and quality, from a powerful profundo to a mahogany middle and incisive top.

With fine accompaniments from Danny Driver, he showed Barber’s Hermit Songs for the masterpieces they are, phrased Elliott Carter’s Frost Songs with exceptional grace and dazzled us with Porter’s genius.