- Albums
- britten: song cycles - benjamin britten
Britten: Song Cycles
- 2014
- 23 tracks
- 1 uur, 3 min
- classical
Album Description
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.
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
About Benjamin Britten
Benjamin Britten, a titan of 20th-century British music, is celebrated for his profound impact on opera and choral works. Born on St. Cecilia's Day in 1913, Britten's musical prowess was evident from a young age, with his first compositions published during his student years. As a composer, conductor, and pianist, he crafted a diverse repertoire that includes iconic operas like "Peter Grimes" and "Billy Budd," the stirring "War Requiem," and the educational masterpiece "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra." Britten's collaboration with tenor Peter Pears was pivotal, shaping many of his operatic and vocal works. His commitment to pacifism and his deep connection to Suffolk further enrich his legacy. Britten's ability to blend dramatic intensity with lyrical beauty makes his music a timeless treasure for classical enthusiasts.
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