Benjamin Britten's 'Britten: Sacred Choral Works' is a sublime collection of sacred choral pieces, released on 16 October 2020 by Priory Records. This captivating album, spanning 1 hour and 14 minutes, showcases Britten's mastery of classical music, blending elements of requiem, opera, and neoclassical styles with his signature choral expertise.
The album takes the listener on a journey through some of Britten's most revered works, including the iconic 'Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30', a cantata that explores the mystical and often humorous writings of Christopher Smart. Each movement, from the opening 'Rejoice in God, O Ye Tongues' to the final 'Hallelujah from the Heart of God', demonstrates Britten's innovative approach to choral composition.
In addition to 'Rejoice in the Lamb', the album features an array of other sacred works, including 'Jubilate Deo in C Major', 'Te Deum in C Major', and 'A Hymn of St. Columba'. The 'Festival Te Deum, Op. 32' and 'A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28' are also showcased, with the latter featuring 12 enchanting movements that evoke the spirit of Christmas.
Throughout the album, Britten's unique voice shines through, blending traditional and modern elements to create a truly unforgettable listening experience. With its rich textures, soaring melodies, and profound spirituality, 'Britten: Sacred Choral Works' is a must-listen for fans of classical music and choral enthusiasts alike. Benjamin Britten's genius is on full display in this stunning collection, cementing his reputation as one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century.
2020 Priory Records2020 (P) Priory Records
Tracks
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: No. 1a, Rejoice in God, O Ye TonguesBenjamin Britten, David Dunnett, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: No. 1b, Let Nimrod the Mighty HunterBenjamin Britten, David Dunnett, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: No. 1c, HallelujahBenjamin Britten, David Dunnett, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: No. 2, For I Will Consider My Cat JeoffreyBenjamin Britten, David Neville, David Dunnett, Ashley Grote
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: No. 3, For the Mouse Is a Creature of Great Personal ValourBenjamin Britten, Ashley Harries, David Dunnett, Ashley Grote
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: No. 4, For the Flowers Are Great BlessingsBenjamin Britten, William Falconer, David Dunnett, Ashley Grote
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: No. 5, For I Am Under the Same Accusation with My SaviourBenjamin Britten, David Dunnett, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: No. 6, For H is a Spirit and Therefore He is GodBenjamin Britten, Dhilan Gnanadurai, David Dunnett, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: No. 7, For the Instruments Are by Their RhimesBenjamin Britten, David Dunnett, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: No. 8, Hallelujah from the Heart of GodBenjamin Britten, David Dunnett, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
Jubilate Deo in C MajorBenjamin Britten, David Dunnett, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
Te Deum in C MajorBenjamin Britten, Caio Boyero, David Dunnett, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
A Hymn of St. ColumbaBenjamin Britten, David Dunnett, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
Hymn to St. Peter, Op. 56aBenjamin Britten, George Inscoe, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
A Hymn to the VirginBenjamin Britten, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
Hymn to St. Cecilia, Op. 27Benjamin Britten, Frederica Davies, Rosemary Zhang, Beatrice Heywood, Simon Carter, David Price, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
Festival Te Deum, Op. 32Benjamin Britten, Eve Garrard, George Inscoe, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 1, ProcessionBenjamin Britten, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 2, Wolcum YoleBenjamin Britten, Elizabeth Green, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 3, There Is No RoseBenjamin Britten, Elizabeth Green, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 4, That Yongë ChildBenjamin Britten, Elizabeth Green, Ashley Grote
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 5, BalulalowBenjamin Britten, Elizabeth Green, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 6, As Dew in AprilleBenjamin Britten, Elizabeth Green, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 7, This Little BabeBenjamin Britten, Elizabeth Green, Ashley Grote
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 8, InterludeBenjamin Britten, Elizabeth Green
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 9, In Freezing Winter NightBenjamin Britten, Elizabeth Green, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 10, Spring CarolBenjamin Britten, Elizabeth Green, Ashley Grote
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 11, Deo graciasBenjamin Britten, Elizabeth Green, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: No. 12, RecessionBenjamin Britten, Norwich Cathedral Choir, Ashley Grote
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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Britten: Sacred Choral Works - Benjamin Britten - Vinyl LP
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Benjamin Britten
