Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Benjamin Britten's choral masterpieces with the album "Britten: Choral Works." Released on January 1, 2017, under the prestigious Harmonia Mundi label, this collection showcases the composer's unparalleled talent in the classical and choral genres. Spanning a concise yet impactful 53 minutes, the album is a testament to Britten's ability to blend neoclassical and operatic elements seamlessly.
The album opens with the enchanting "Choral Dances from 'Gloriana,'" a suite that captures the essence of Britten's operatic genius. Each dance, from the serene "Time" to the lively "Final Dance of Homage," offers a unique glimpse into the composer's diverse musical palette. The album also features the ethereal "Hymn to St Cecilia," a piece that highlights Britten's deep reverence for sacred music.
A standout segment is the "Five Flower Songs," where Britten's lyrical prowess shimmers through each track, from the delicate "To Daffodils" to the haunting "The Ballad of Green Broom." The album concludes with "A.M.D.G. (Ad majorem Dei gloriam)," a profound collection of choral works that delve into themes of faith, love, and reflection. Tracks like "Rosa Mystica" and "Heaven-Haven" are particularly poignant, showcasing Britten's ability to evoke deep emotional resonance.
"Britten: Choral Works" is a must-listen for fans of classical and choral music, offering a rich tapestry of sound that celebrates the enduring legacy of Benjamin Britten. Whether you're a longtime admirer or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2019 harmonia mundi musique2017 harmonia mundi musique
Tracks
Choral Dances from 'Gloriana': TimeBenjamin Britten, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
Choral Dances from 'Gloriana': ConcordBenjamin Britten, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
Choral Dances from 'Gloriana': Time and ConcordBenjamin Britten, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
Choral Dances from 'Gloriana': Country GirlsBenjamin Britten, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
Choral Dances from 'Gloriana': Rustics and FishermenBenjamin Britten, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
Choral Dances from 'Gloriana': Final Dance of HomageBenjamin Britten, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
Hymn to St Cecilia, Op. 27Benjamin Britten, Katharina Hohlfeld, Mi-Young Kim, Waltraud Heinrich, Minsub Hong, Jonathan E. de la Paz Zaen, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
A Hymn to the VirginBenjamin Britten, Mi-Young Kim, Susanne Langner, Volker Arndt, Stefan Drexlmeier, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
Five Flower Songs, Op. 47: 1. To DaffodilsBenjamin Britten, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
Five Flower Songs, Op. 47: 2. The Succession of the Four Sweet MonthsBenjamin Britten, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle