Les illuminations, Op. 18: I. FanfareBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: II. VillesBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: IIIa. PhraseBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: IIIb. AntiqueBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: IV. RoyautéBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: V. MarineBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: VI. InterludeBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: VII. Being BeauteousBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: VIII. ParadeBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: IX. DépartBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
3 Songs for "Les illuminations" (Orch. C. Matthews): I. PhraseBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
3 Songs for "Les illuminations" (Orch. C. Matthews): II. AubeBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
3 Songs for "Les illuminations" (Orch. C. Matthews): III. À une raisonBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Rondo concertante (Completed by C. Matthews): I. Allegro moltoBenjamin Britten, Rolf Hind, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Rondo concertante (Completed by C. Matthews): II. LentoBenjamin Britten, Rolf Hind, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
In Memoriam Dennis Brain (Completed by C. Matthews): I. IntroductionBenjamin Britten, Michael Thompson, Richard Watkins, Peter Francomb, Chris Griffiths, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
In Memoriam Dennis Brain (Completed by C. Matthews): II. AllegroBenjamin Britten, Michael Thompson, Richard Watkins, Peter Francomb, Chris Griffiths, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Untitled FragmentBenjamin Britten, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Variations for Piano (1965): I. Like an ImprovisationBenjamin Britten, Rolf Hind
Variations for Piano (1965): II. —Benjamin Britten, Rolf Hind
Variations for Piano (1965): III. Quick & LightBenjamin Britten, Rolf Hind
Variations for Piano (1965): IV. —Benjamin Britten, Rolf Hind
Variations for Piano (1965): V. QuietlyBenjamin Britten, Rolf Hind
Variations for Piano (1965): VI. QuickBenjamin Britten, Rolf Hind
Movements for a Clarinet Concerto: I. Molto allegro (Completed by C. Matthews)Benjamin Britten, Michael Collins, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Movements for a Clarinet Concerto: II. Vivace (After "Mazurka elegiaca") [Arr. C. Matthews]Benjamin Britten, Michael Collins, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Movements for a Clarinet Concerto: III. Passacaglia (After Fragment of "Sonata for Orchestra") [Arr. C. Matthews]Benjamin Britten, Michael Collins, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Dive into the lesser-known works of Benjamin Britten with this captivating collection, "Unknown Britten." Released in 2015, this album offers a unique journey through the early and mid-career compositions of one of the 20th century's most influential composers. Spanning a variety of genres including classical, choral, and neoclassical, the album features 27 tracks that showcase Britten's versatility and innovation.
Highlights include a stunning performance of "Les Illuminations" by the renowned soprano Sandrine Piau, a work that Britten composed when he was just 19 years old. The album also features Britten's "Clarinet Concerto," brought to life by the acclaimed clarinetist Michael Collins, and "In Memoriam Dennis Brain," a poignant tribute to the great horn player who tragically died in a car crash in 1957.
"Unknown Britten" is not just a compilation of rare and unfinished works; it is a testament to Britten's enduring genius and his ability to evoke transcendent dimensions of reality. The album features eight premiere recordings, including three songs originally intended to be part of "Les Illuminations," offering listeners a fresh perspective on Britten's creative process.
Recorded at The Sage Gateshead, the performances are of the highest quality, with contributions from some of the world's leading musicians. The album is supported by the Britten-Pears Foundation, ensuring that the compositions are presented with the utmost respect for Britten's legacy.
Whether you are a longtime fan of Benjamin Britten or a newcomer to his music, "Unknown Britten" offers a fascinating exploration of the composer's early and mid-career works. With a duration of just over an hour and a half, this album is a perfect addition to any classical music collection.
2015 NMC Recordings2015 (P) NMC Recordings
About Benjamin Britten
Benjamin Britten, born on St. Cecilia's Day in 1913, was a titan of 20th-century British music, renowned for his profound contributions to opera, choral works, and orchestral compositions. As a child prodigy, Britten began composing at the age of five, and his musical genius blossomed throughout his life, making him a central figure in British classical music. His operas, such as the haunting "Peter Grimes," are celebrated as some of the finest in the English language since Henry Purcell. Britten's "War Requiem," a powerful anti-war piece, remains one of his most enduring works. Beyond his compositions, Britten was also an exceptional pianist and conductor, leaving an indelible mark on the musical world. His legacy continues to inspire, with his works performed and cherished by audiences worldwide.
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Benjamin Britten
