Andrew Manze, renowned for his potent, lyrical, and haunting performances, presents "British Classical Selections," a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of British classical music. Released on April 23, 2021, under the prestigious Pentatone label, this album is a testament to Manze's virtuosity and his deep connection with the classical repertoire.
Spanning a generous 3 hours and 5 minutes, the album is a compendium of 30 meticulously chosen tracks, encompassing a wide range of genres within the classical realm, including orchestral, chamber, and vocal music. The selections draw from the works of esteemed composers such as Elgar, Mendelssohn, Handel, Britten, Purcell, Vaughan Williams, Mendelssohn, Schubert, and more.
Manze's interpretation of these pieces is nothing short of extraordinary. His rendition of Elgar's "Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85" is a standout, showcasing his ability to evoke profound emotion and technical brilliance. The album also features exquisite performances of Mendelssohn's "Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 56, MWV N 18 'Scottish'" and Handel's "Messiah, HWV 56," among others.
Each track is a masterclass in musical storytelling, with Manze's nuanced phrasing and dynamic control bringing out the subtleties and depths of each composition. The album is a celebration of British classical music, offering a diverse and enriching listening experience that highlights Manze's versatility and artistry.
"British Classical Selections" is not just an album; it's an exploration of the timeless beauty and complexity of British classical music, as interpreted by one of today's most compelling artists. Whether you're a seasoned classical aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a deeply rewarding and enriching experience.
2021 Pentatone Music B.V.2021 See original release
Tracks
Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: I. Adagio - ModeratoEdward Elgar, Johannes Moser, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Andrew Manze
Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 56, MWV N 18 "Scottish": IV. Allegro vivacissimoFelix Mendelssohn, NDR Radiophilharmonie, Andrew Manze
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. I: No. 20, He shall feed His flock like a shepherdGeorge Frideric Handel, Julia Doyle, Justin Doyle, Tim Mead, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin
Lucia di Lammermoor: Tombe degli avi miei - Fra poco a me ricoveroGaetano Donizetti, Michael Fabiano, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Enrique Mazzola
3 Preludes Founded on Welsh Hymn Tunes: No. 2, Rhosymedre "Lovely"Ralph Vaughan Williams, Christopher Jacobson
Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20: I. Lacrymosa. Andante ben misuratoBenjamin Britten, Oregon Symphony, Carlos Kalmar
Symphony No. 5 in D Major: III. Romanza. LentoRalph Vaughan Williams, Oregon Symphony, Carlos Kalmar
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. I: No. 13, Pifa "Pastoral Symphony"George Frideric Handel, Justin Doyle, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin
Violin Concerto, Op. 15: II. Vivace – Largamente – CadenzaBenjamin Britten, Arabella Steinbacher, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Vladimir Jurowski
Symphony No. 5 in D Major: II. Scherzo. Presto misteriosoRalph Vaughan Williams, Oregon Symphony, Carlos Kalmar
Lied ohne Worte, Op. 109, MWV Q 34Felix Mendelssohn, Johannes Moser, Alasdair Beatson
Winterreise, Op. 89, D. 911: No. 24, Der LeiermannFranz Schubert, Ian Bostridge, Thomas Adès
Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 56, MWV N 18 "Scottish": III. AdagioFelix Mendelssohn, NDR Radiophilharmonie, Andrew Manze
Variations On a Theme of Frank Bridge, Op. 10: I. Introduction & ThemeBenjamin Britten, Gordan Nikolić, Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra
The Lark AscendingRalph Vaughan Williams, Arabella Steinbacher, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, Lawrence Foster
Angel Heart: Danny Boy (Arr. J. Heggie & L.P. Woolf for Voice & Ensemble)Anonymous, Sanford Sylvan, Matt Haimovitz, Uccello
4 Sea Interludes from "Peter Grimes", Op. 33a: No. 4, StormRalph Vaughan Williams, Oregon Symphony, Carlos Kalmar
Dido and Aeneazz: No. 15, Dido's lamentHenry Purcell, Eric Vloeimans, Andrew Manze, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Calefax Reed Quintet, Oregon Symphony, Jasper Van Hulten, Guli Gudmundsson
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38, Pt. II: Thy judgement now is nearEdward Elgar, Edo de Waart, Royal Flemish Orchestra, Collegium Vocal Gent, Michelle Breedt
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. I: No. 3, Ev'ry valley shall be exaltedGeorge Frideric Handel, Justin Doyle, Thomas Hobbs, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30, Act III Scene 1: Che farò senza Euridice!Christoph Willibald Gluck, David Bates, Andrew Manze, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, La Nuova Musica, Oregon Symphony, Iestyn Davies
Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: III. AdagioEdward Elgar, Johannes Moser, Andrew Manze, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Oregon Symphony
Symphony No. 4 in F Minor: I. AllegroRalph Vaughan Williams, Oregon Symphony, Carlos Kalmar
Variations On a Theme of Frank Bridge, Op. 10: Var.9, Chant. LentoBenjamin Britten, Andrew Manze, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Oregon Symphony
Symphony No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 55: II. Allegro moltoEdward Elgar, Edo de Waart, Royal Flemish Orchestra, Oregon Symphony
4 Sea Interludes from "Peter Grimes", Op. 33a: No. 2, Sunday morningRalph Vaughan Williams, Oregon Symphony, Carlos Kalmar
Das Lied von der Erde: IV. Von der SchönheitGustav Mahler, Vladimir Jurowski, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Dame Sarah Connolly
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. II: No. 38, How beautiful are the feet of themGeorge Frideric Handel, Julia Doyle, Justin Doyle, Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin
Symphony No. 4 in F Minor: III. ScherzoRalph Vaughan Williams, Oregon Symphony, Carlos Kalmar
Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 56, MWV N 18 "Scottish": I. Andante con molto - Allegro un poco agitatoFelix Mendelssohn, NDR Radiophilharmonie, Andrew Manze