Experience the enchanting vocal and piano works of Benjamin Britten with "Britten Abroad," a captivating collection that showcases the composer's mastery of song. Released in 2008, this album features a diverse range of compositions, from the intimate and expressive settings of Michelangelo's sonnets to the evocative arrangements of French folksongs and the profound settings of Hölderlin's poetry. The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of musical experiences.
The album begins with "Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22," a cycle of songs that Britten composed for his partner, tenor Peter Pears. These sonnets, sung by Mark Padmore and Susan Gritton, are known for their deep emotional resonance and intricate musical craftsmanship. The album also includes "The Poet's Echo, Op. 76," a set of songs that Britten composed for soprano and piano, showcasing his ability to set poetry to music with sensitivity and nuance.
In addition to these works, "Britten Abroad" features a selection of French folksong arrangements that Britten created during World War II. These arrangements, originally performed with Pears, demonstrate Britten's skill in adapting traditional melodies for the concert hall. The album also includes settings of poems by Friedrich Hölderlin, translated into English by the poet and scholar Michael Hamburger. These settings, from "Sechs Hölderlin-Fragmente, Op. 61," offer a profound exploration of the human condition.
The album is performed by a stellar cast of musicians, including sopranos Susan Gritton and Mark Padmore, tenor, and pianist Iain Burnside. Their performances bring Britten's music to life with clarity, sensitivity, and technical virtuosity. Whether you are a longtime fan of Britten's music or a newcomer to his work, "Britten Abroad" offers a compelling introduction to the composer's artistry and a rich musical experience.
(C) 2008 Signum Records
Tracks
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XVI - Si come nella penna e nell'inchiostroBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XXXI - A che piu debb'io mai l'intensa vogliaBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XXX - Veggio co'bei vostri occhi un dolce lumeBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto LV - Tu sa'ch'io so, signior mie, che tu saiBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XXXVIII - Redete a gli occhi miei, o fonte o fiumeBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XXXII - S'un casto amor, s'una pieta supernaBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XXIV - Spirto ben nato, in cui si specchia evedeBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
The Poet's Echo, Op. 76: EchoBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
The Poet's Echo, Op. 76: My Heart...Benjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
The Poet's Echo, Op. 76: AngelBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
The Poet's Echo, Op. 76: The Nightingale and the RoseBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
The Poet's Echo, Op. 76: EpigramBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
The Poet's Echo, Op. 76: Lines written during a sleepless nightBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Four French Folksong Arrangements: La Nöel PasséeBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Four French Folksong Arrangements: Voici le PrintempsBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Four French Folksong Arrangements: FileuseBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Four French Folksong Arrangements: Le roi s'en va-t'en chasseBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Um MitternachtBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Sechs Hölderlin-Fragmente, Op. 61: MenschenbeifallBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Sechs Hölderlin-Fragmente, Op. 61: Die HeimatBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Sechs Hölderlin-Fragmente, Op. 61: Sokrates und AlcibiadesBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Sechs Hölderlin-Fragmente, Op. 61: Die JugendBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Sechs Hölderlin-Fragmente, Op. 61: Hälfte des LebensBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Sechs Hölderlin-Fragmente, Op. 61: Die Linien des LebensBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Four French Folksong Arrangements: La belle est au jardin d'amourBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Four French Folksong Arrangements: Il est quelqu'un sur terreBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Four French Folksong Arrangements: Eho! Eho!Benjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Four French Folksong Arrangements: Quand j'étais chez mon pèreBenjamin Britten, Susan Gritton, Mark Padmore, Iain Burnside
Benjamin Britten, born on St. Cecilia's Day in 1913, was a titan of 20th-century British music, renowned for his profound contributions to opera, choral works, and orchestral compositions. As a child prodigy, Britten began composing at the age of five, and his musical genius blossomed throughout his life, making him a central figure in British classical music. His operas, such as the haunting "Peter Grimes," are celebrated as some of the finest in the English language since Henry Purcell. Britten's "War Requiem," a powerful anti-war piece, remains one of his most enduring works. Beyond his compositions, Britten was also an exceptional pianist and conductor, leaving an indelible mark on the musical world. His legacy continues to inspire, with his works performed and cherished by audiences worldwide.
Vinylscout
Benjamin Britten
