Dive into the rich tapestry of Benjamin Britten's musical genius with "Danish First Performances - Live Concert Recordings 1976-1991," a captivating collection that spans over two hours of exquisite orchestral and solo cello performances. This album, released by Danacord Records in 2015, features a stunning array of works that showcase Britten's mastery of classical and neoclassical compositions.
The album opens with the powerful "Concerto for Cello and Orchestra," followed by the intricate "Symphony for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 68," which is divided into four movements: "Allegro maestoso," "Presto inquieto," "Adagio – cadenza," and "Passacaglia - Andante allegro." Each movement is a testament to Britten's ability to evoke a range of emotions and moods through his music.
The solo cello suites are a highlight of the album, with "Solo Cello Suite No. 2, Op. 80" and "Solo Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87" featuring a variety of movements that demonstrate Britten's versatility and depth as a composer. From the contemplative "Declamato - Largo" to the lively "Moto perpetuo - Presto," these suites offer a rich and varied listening experience.
Conducted by the renowned Herbert Blomstedt and featuring performances by esteemed musicians such as Frederick Delius and Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, this album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts. Whether you're a longtime fan of Benjamin Britten or new to his work, this collection offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of his musical legacy. The album's duration of 2 hours and 5 minutes ensures that you can immerse yourself in the beauty and complexity of Britten's compositions, making it a valuable addition to any classical music collection.
(C) 2015 Danacord Records
Tracks
Concerto for Cello and OrchestraFrederick Delius, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Meredith Davies, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra
Symphony for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 68: I. Allegro maestosoBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Okko Kamu, Copenhagen Philharmonic
Symphony for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 68: II. Presto inquietoBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Okko Kamu, Copenhagen Philharmonic
Symphony for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 68: III. Adagio – cadenzaBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Okko Kamu, Copenhagen Philharmonic
Symphony for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 68: IV. Passacaglia - Andante allegroBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Okko Kamu, Copenhagen Philharmonic
Concerto for Cello and OrchestraWitold Lutosławski, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Herbert Blomstedt, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra
Solo Cello Suite No. 2, Op. 80: I. Declamato - LargoBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Meredith Davies, Herbert Blomstedt, Okko Kamu, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic
Solo Cello Suite No. 2, Op. 80: II. Fuga - AndanteBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Meredith Davies, Herbert Blomstedt, Okko Kamu, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic
Solo Cello Suite No. 2, Op. 80: III. Scherzo - Allegro moltoBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Meredith Davies, Herbert Blomstedt, Okko Kamu, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic
Solo Cello Suite No. 2, Op. 80: IV. Andante lentoBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Meredith Davies, Herbert Blomstedt, Okko Kamu, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic
Solo Cello Suite No. 2, Op. 80: V. Ciaconna - AllegroBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Meredith Davies, Herbert Blomstedt, Okko Kamu, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic
Solo Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: I. Introduzione - LentoBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Meredith Davies, Herbert Blomstedt, Okko Kamu, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic
Solo Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: II. Marcia - AllegroBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Meredith Davies, Herbert Blomstedt, Okko Kamu, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic
Solo Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: III. Canto - Con MotoBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Meredith Davies, Herbert Blomstedt, Okko Kamu, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic
Solo Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: IV. Barcarolla - LentoBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Meredith Davies, Herbert Blomstedt, Okko Kamu, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic
Solo Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: V. Dialogo - AllegrettoBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Meredith Davies, Herbert Blomstedt, Okko Kamu, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic
Solo Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: VI. Fuga - Andante espressivoBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Meredith Davies, Herbert Blomstedt, Okko Kamu, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic
Solo Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: VII. Recitativo - FantasticoBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Meredith Davies, Herbert Blomstedt, Okko Kamu, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic
Solo Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: VIII. Moto perpetuo - PrestoBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Meredith Davies, Herbert Blomstedt, Okko Kamu, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic
Solo Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: IX. Passacaglia - Lento solenneBenjamin Britten, Erling Blöndal Bengtsson, Meredith Davies, Herbert Blomstedt, Okko Kamu, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Copenhagen Philharmonic