Benjamin Britten's 'Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge' is a seminal work that catapulted the composer to international acclaim upon its premiere at the 1937 Salzburg Festival. This masterpiece, written in response to a commission from the Boyd Neel Orchestra, is a character portrait of Britten's revered teacher, Frank Bridge. The theme, taken from Bridge's 'Three Idylls for String Quartet', is expertly woven throughout the ten variations, showcasing Britten's innovative and enduring compositional style.
This album, 'Britten: Variations On A Theme of Frank Bridge / Les Illuminations / Lachrymae', released on 31 August 1989 by BIS, is a testament to Britten's genius. The 'Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge, Op. 10' are a landmark of 20th-century string writing, with each variation offering a unique glimpse into Britten's artistic vision. The album also features 'Les Illuminations, Op. 18', a song cycle that showcases Britten's mastery of vocal music, and 'Lachrymae, Op. 48a', a beautiful reflection on a song by Dowland.
With a duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes, this classical music album is a must-listen for fans of Britten and neoclassical music. The genres of requiem, opera, and choral music are all represented, making this album a comprehensive showcase of Britten's oeuvre. Benjamin Britten's music is a treasure trove of emotion, intellect, and beauty, and this album is an excellent introduction to his work.
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