Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Benjamin Britten's choral masterpieces with this captivating album, released in 1998 under the Chandos label. Spanning a rich and diverse repertoire, this collection showcases Britten's unparalleled talent for choral composition, blending sacred and secular themes with his signature neoclassical style.
The album opens with the jubilant "Jubilate Deo" and the grand "Te Deum," setting the stage for the heart of the collection: the "Missa Brevis in D Major, Op. 63." This concise yet powerful mass is a testament to Britten's ability to convey profound spiritual depth in a compact form. The five movements of the mass—Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei—are performed with clarity and reverence, highlighting Britten's intricate harmonies and melodic inventiveness.
A highlight of the album is "A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28," a beloved work that Britten composed during his voyage to the United States in 1942. This enchanting cycle of carols, originally written for treble voices and harp, is a celebration of the Christmas season. The carols, interspersed with instrumental interludes, evoke the spirit of medieval and Renaissance music, creating a timeless atmosphere that resonates with listeners of all ages.
The album also features "A Wedding Anthem, Op. 46," a joyous and uplifting piece that captures the essence of celebration and unity. Additionally, "Christ's Nativity: II. Sweet was the Song the Virgin Sung" adds a touch of tender reflection, rounding out the album's diverse musical offerings.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Benjamin Britten's choral genius. Whether you are a seasoned fan of classical music or a newcomer to Britten's works, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The performances are impeccable, bringing out the nuances and subtleties of Britten's compositions with precision and passion.
Tracks
Jubilate DeoBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Te DeumBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Antiphon, Op. 56bBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Olive Simpson, Rachel Wheatley, Rachel Elliot, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Missa Brevis in D Major, Op. 63: I. KyrieBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Robert Burt, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Missa Brevis in D Major, Op. 63: II. GloriaBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Robert Burt, Rachel Wheatley, Carys Lane, Lindasy Wagstaff, Andrew Lumsden, Lindsay Wagstaff, Finzi Singers
Missa Brevis in D Major, Op. 63: III. SanctusBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Missa Brevis in D Major, Op. 63: IV. BenedictusBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Lindasy Wagstaff, Lindsay Wagstaff, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Missa Brevis in D Major, Op. 63: V. Agnus DeiBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A Wedding Anthem, Op. 46Benjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Mark Milhofer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Christ's Nativity: II. Sweet was the Song the Virgin SungBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susanna Spicer, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: I. ProcessionBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: II. Wolcum Yole!Benjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: III. There is no RoseBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: IVa. That yonge childBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Olive Simpson, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: IVb. BalulalowBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Olive Simpson, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: V. As dew in AprilleBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: VI. This little BabeBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: VII. InterludeBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: VIII. In Freezing Winter NightBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Kathryn Cook, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: IX. Spring CarolBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Rachel Wheatley, Rachel Elliot, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: X. Deo graciasBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: XI. RecessionBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
Festival Te Deum, Op. 32Benjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Lindasy Wagstaff, Lindsay Wagstaff, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Jubilate Deo (Reprise)Benjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
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