Benjamin Britten's "Sacred and Profane" is a captivating collection of eight medieval lyrics, composed for unaccompanied voices. Released in 2015 under the Treasure Island label, this album spans a diverse range of genres, including classical, requiem, opera, neoclassical, and choral, offering a rich and varied listening experience. The album's duration is a concise yet impactful 1 hour and 14 minutes, featuring performances by notable ensembles such as the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, and the SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, conducted by Marcus Creed.
The tracklist is a journey through time, featuring ancient hymns and carols alongside Britten's own compositions. Standout tracks include "St. Godric's Hymn," a medieval hymn that opens the album, and "Yif ic of luve can," a poignant exploration of love and longing. The album also includes Britten's final work for choir, "Sacred and Profane," which lends its name to the collection.
Britten's mastery of choral composition is evident throughout, with each piece showcasing his unique ability to blend medieval texts with modern musical techniques. The result is an album that is both historically significant and emotionally resonant, offering a glimpse into the past while remaining firmly rooted in the present. Whether you're a longtime fan of Britten's work or a newcomer to his music, "Sacred and Profane" is an album that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
2015 Treasure Island2015 Treasure Island
Tracks
St. Godric's HymnBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
I Mon Waxe WodBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
Lenten Is ComeBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
The Long NightBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
Yif Ic of Luve CanBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
CarolBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
Yet That Passen ByBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
A DeathBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
Herbert Howells: InheritanceHerbert Howells, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
What Is It LikeArnold Bax, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
White-Flowering DaysGerald Finzi, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
Silence and MusicRalph Vaughan Williams, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
Spring at This HourLennox Berkeley, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
AubadeArthur Bliss, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
Mary HinesBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
Anthony O DalyBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
The CoolinBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
On the Death of AntonyBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
On the Death of CleopatraBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
The Monk and His CatBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
Prayer IBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
Rosa MysticaBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
God's GrandeurBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
Prayer IIBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
O Deus, Ego Am TeBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
The SoldierBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
Heaven HavenBenjamin Britten, Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, Timothy Brown
Vinylscout