As serious as her music is, Fiona Apple didn't seem to take herself too seriously Sunday night.

The singer-songwriter's show at House of Blues offered plenty of introspection but also some humor.

Accompanied by her band, and often taking to the piano herself, Apple performed selections from her latest album, Extraordinary Machine, as well as her first two discs.

Many of Apple's lyrics convey heartbreak and disappointment, and during the performance she embodied her music, her expressions mirroring the emotion in each song. At times, she crouched down in a squat, or placed her head in her hands, her long hair falling forward.

In between songs, Apple said with a laugh, "I can really hold a grudge."

Her fans hold her dear, and they told her so, repeatedly. In between almost every song, audience members shouted, "We love you, Fiona!"

Other concertgoers showed their affection through gifts apparently thrown on stage, including Disney plush dolls and a mouse ears cap.

During an encore, "Criminal," Apple placed the mouse ears on her head and seemed to suppress a laugh as she sang the opening verse, I've been a bad, bad girl. Mid-song, she removed the ears and clutched them, shaking them for effect.

For the last number, "Parting Gift," the band exited the stage, leaving the audience with Apple and her piano.

And after the song, Apple collected her own parting gifts -- the stuffed animals and the ears, which she replaced on her head, sideways -- and waved goodnight.

Aline Mendelsohn can be reached at amendelsohn@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5352.