Immerse yourself in the timeless compositions of Benjamin Britten with this captivating album, released on April 19, 2024, by LSO Live. This collection showcases three of Britten's most celebrated works: the Spring Symphony, Sinfonia da Requiem, and The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra. Each piece is a masterclass in orchestration and choral arrangement, blending classical elegance with innovative neoclassical elements.
The Spring Symphony, Op. 44, is a vibrant celebration of renewal and vitality, featuring a rich tapestry of vocal and instrumental performances. From the playful "The Merry Cuckoo" to the majestic "Finale. London, to Thee I do Present," this symphony is a journey through the seasons, capturing the essence of spring with Britten's distinctive musical language.
Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20, offers a profound and reflective experience. Composed during a significant period in Britten's life, this work weaves together the traditional elements of a requiem with Britten's unique perspective, resulting in a deeply moving and introspective piece.
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34, is an educational and entertaining exploration of the orchestra. Through a series of variations, Britten introduces listeners to the diverse sounds and capabilities of different instrumental sections, making it an engaging and enlightening listen for both newcomers and seasoned classical music enthusiasts.
Recorded live between 2018 and 2021 under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle, these performances capture the energy and precision of the London Symphony Orchestra. The album also features outstanding vocal contributions from Elizabeth Watts, Alice Coote, and Allan Clayton, among others. With a total runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes, this album is a comprehensive and rewarding exploration of Britten's genius, offering something for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.
2024 London Symphony Orchestra Ltd2024 London Symphony Orchestra Ltd
Tracks
Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20: I. Lacrymosa. Andante ben misuratoBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20: II. Dies irae. Allegro con fuoco - Alla marciaBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20: III. Requiem aeternam. Andante molto tranquilloBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part I: Introduction. Shine out (chorus)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part I: The Merry Cuckoo (Tenor)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Allan Clayton
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part I: Spring, the Sweet Spring (soprano, alto, tenor, chorus)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Elizabeth Watts, Alice Coote, Allan Clayton, London Symphony Chorus
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part I: The Driving Boy (soprano, children's chorus)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Elizabeth Watts, Tiffin Boys' Choir, Tiffin Children's Chorus, The Tiffin Girls' School Choir
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part I: The Morning Star (Chorus)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part II: Welcome, Maids of Honour (alto)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Alice Coote
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part II: Waters Above (Tenor)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Allan Clayton
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part II: Out on the Lawn I lie in Bed (alto, chorus)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Alice Coote, London Symphony Chorus
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part III: When will my May come (Tenor)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Allan Clayton
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part III: Fair and Fair (Soprano, Tenor)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Elizabeth Watts, Allan Clayton
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part III: Sound the Flute (chorus, children's chorus)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus, Tiffin Boys' Choir, Tiffin Children's Chorus, The Tiffin Girls' School Choir
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part IV: Finale. London, to Thee I do Present (soprano, alto, tenor, chorus, children's chorus)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Elizabeth Watts, Alice Coote, Allan Clayton, London Symphony Chorus, Tiffin Boys' Choir, Tiffin Children's Chorus, The Tiffin Girls' School Choir
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34: I. Theme. Allegro maestoso e largamenteBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34: II. Variations A-D, Woodwinds. Presto - Lento - Moderato - Allegro alla marciaBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34: III. Variations E-H, Strings. Brillante, alla polacca - Meno mosso - Cominciando lento ma poco a poco accelerandoBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34: IV. Variation I, Harp. MaestosoBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34: V. Variations J-L, Brass. L'istesso tempo - Vivace - Allegro pomposoBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34: VI. Variation M, Percussion. ModeratoBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34: VII. Fugue. Allegro molto - AnimatoBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
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