Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Benjamin Britten's vocal mastery with "Britten: Song Cycles," a captivating collection released on November 10, 2014, by Heritage Records. This album is a testament to Britten's enduring legacy, featuring a selection of his most profound and moving song cycles that span various periods of his illustrious career.
The album showcases Britten's unique ability to blend poetry and music, creating a rich tapestry of sound and meaning. "Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22" sets the stage with its intimate and reflective tone, while "Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31" offers a more expansive and dramatic experience. The latter, composed in 1943, is a standout piece that highlights Britten's innovative use of the horn and strings to complement the tenor voice.
"Winter Words, Op. 52" provides a glimpse into Britten's later works, with its poignant settings of Thomas Hardy's poetry. This cycle is a beautiful example of Britten's ability to capture the essence of a poem and translate it into music that resonates deeply with the listener.
Throughout the album, Britten's collaboration with the renowned tenor Peter Pears is evident, with Pears' distinctive voice bringing Britten's compositions to life. The album also features contributions from the New Symphony Orchestra of London, Eugene Goossens, Dennis Brain on the horn, and Benjamin Britten himself on the piano, ensuring a high level of musicality and artistry.
With a duration of one hour and three minutes, "Britten: Song Cycles" is a comprehensive exploration of Britten's song cycles, offering a rich and varied listening experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of Britten's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
(C) 2014 Heritage Records
Tracks
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: I. Sonetto XVI - Sì come nella penna e nell' inchiostroBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: II. Sonetto XXXI - A che più debb'io mai l'intensa vogliaBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: III. Sonetto XXX - Veggio co' bei vostri occhi un dolce lumeBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: IV. Sonetto LV - Tu sa' ch'io so, signor mie, che tu saiBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: V. Sonetto XXXVIII - Rendete a gli occhi mieiBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: VI. Sonetto XXXII - S'un casto amor, s'una pietà supernaBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: VII. Sonetto XXIV - Spirto ben nato, in cui si specchia e vedeBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: I. PrologueBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: II. PastoraleBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: III. NocturneBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: IV. ElegyBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: V. DirgeBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: VI. HymnBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: VII. SonnetBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: VIII. EpilogueBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: I. At Day-Close in NovemberBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: II. Midnight on the Great Western 'The Journeying Boy'Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: III. Wagtail and Baby 'A Satire'Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: IV. The Little Old TableBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: V. The Choirmaster's Burial 'The Tenor Man's Story'Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: VI. Proud Songsters 'Thrushes, Finches and Nightingales'Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: VII. At the Railway Station, Upway 'The Convict and the Boy with the Violin'Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: VIII. Before Life and AfterBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
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
