Dive into the profound and evocative world of Benjamin Britten with his compelling album "Before Life & After," released in 2009. This exquisite collection features a rich tapestry of vocal works that showcase Britten's mastery of composition and his deep connection to literary and spiritual themes. The album spans a variety of genres, including classical, requiem, opera, neoclassical, and choral, offering a diverse and enriching listening experience.
At the heart of the album are three of Britten's most celebrated song cycles: "The Holy Sonnets of John Donne," "Winter Words," and a selection of folksongs. "The Holy Sonnets of John Donne," composed in 1945, is a powerful setting of John Donne's spiritual poetry, reflecting the composer's own spiritual journey and intellectual rigor. This cycle is particularly poignant, as Britten completed it after visiting the German concentration camps with Yehudi Menuhin, a experience that deeply affected his perspective on life and art.
"Winter Words," composed in 1953, is another highlight of the album. This cycle, set to poems by Thomas Hardy, explores themes of love, longing, and the passage of time. The final song in this cycle, "Before Life and after," is a profound meditation on innocence and tragedy, showcasing Britten's ability to convey deep human experiences through music.
The album also includes a selection of folksongs, arranged by Britten, which add a touch of folk charm and authenticity to the collection. These songs, along with the Purcell realizations, provide a delightful contrast to the more introspective and spiritual works on the album.
Performing these works is the acclaimed British tenor Mark Padmore, whose sensitive and nuanced interpretation brings Britten's compositions to life. Accompanied by the skilled pianist Roger Vignoles, Padmore's performance is a testament to the enduring power of Britten's music.
"Before Life & After" is a testament to Benjamin Britten's genius and his ability to blend literary, spiritual, and musical themes into a cohesive and compelling whole. Whether you are a longtime fan of Britten's work or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
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Tracks
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: I. Oh my blacke Soule!Benjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: II. Batter my heartBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: III. O might those sighes and tearesBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: IV. Oh, to vex meBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: V. What if this presentBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: VI. Since she whom I lovedBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: VII. At the round earth's imagined cornersBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: VIII. Thou hast made meBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: IX. Death, be not proudBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
A Morning HymnBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Job's CurseBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
An Evening Hymn, Z 193Benjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: I. At Day-close in NovemberBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: II. Midnight on the Great WesternBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: III. Wagtail and BabyBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: IV. The little old TableBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: V. The Choirmaster's BurialBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: VI. Proud SongstersBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: VII. At the Railway Station, UpwayBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: VIII. Before Life and afterBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Folksongs: I. I Wonder as I WanderTraditional, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Folksongs: II. Sail on, Sail onTraditional, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Folksongs: III. The Miller of DeeTraditional, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Folksongs: IV. At the mid hour of nightTraditional, Benjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Folksongs: V. There's none to sootheTraditional, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
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.
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Benjamin Britten
