Benjamin Britten's "Owen Wingrave" is a compelling television opera that premiered in 1971, composed with a libretto by Myfanwy Piper, based on a short story by Henry James. This two-act opera, released on the Chandos label in 2000, is a powerful denunciation of war, showcasing Britten's mastery of neoclassical and choral compositions. The album features the City of London Sinfonia and the Tiffin Boys Choir, conducted by Richard Hickox, delivering a performance that is both haunting and profound.
With a duration of 1 hour and 47 minutes, the opera is divided into 22 tracks, each contributing to the narrative's intensity and emotional depth. The story revolves around Owen Wingrave, a young man who renounces his military heritage, leading to a series of dramatic confrontations and revelations. Britten's score is intricate and evocative, blending choral and orchestral elements to create a rich, immersive soundscape.
"Owen Wingrave" is not just an opera; it's a profound exploration of themes such as pacifism, family expectations, and the moral courage to stand against tradition. The collaboration between Britten and Piper brings Henry James' story to life with a modern, thought-provoking twist. Whether you're a fan of classical music, opera, or simply appreciate a well-crafted narrative, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Tracks
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I: PreludeBenjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 1: You've Got Your Maps There? (Coyle, Lechmere, Owen)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Alan Opie, James Gilchrist
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 1: Sir, I Can't Go Through With It (Owen, Coyle)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Alan Opie
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 1: Straight Out of School They Come to Me (Coyle) - InterludeBenjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Alan Opie
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 2: At Last It's Out. No Doubt Old Coyle Will Rage (Owen, Miss Wingrave, Coyle) - Interlude IIBenjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Alan Opie, Elizabeth Connell
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 3: Your Sherry, Mrs. Coyle (Lechmere, Mrs. Coyle, Coyle, Owen)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Alan Opie, James Gilchrist, Janice Watson
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 3: Owen, You Can't Mean It - It's Mad, It's Your Whole Life (Lechmere, Owen) - Interlude IIIBenjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, James Gilchrist
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 4: Oh, How Unforeseen (Mrs. Julian, Kate, Miss Wingrave)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Sarah Fox, Pamela Helen Stephen, Elizabeth Connell
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 4: And now, to face them, all of them, the living and the dead (Owen, Miss Wingrave, Mrs. Julian)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Sarah Fox, Pamela Helen Stephen, Elizabeth Connell
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 4: Sirrah! How Dare You! (Sir Philip, Kate) - Scene 5. How Dare You! (Miss Wingrave, Kate, Sir Philip, Mrs. Julian)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Robin Leggate, Sarah Fox, Pamela Helen Stephen, Elizabeth Connell
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 6: Coyle, I Wish I Had Not Come. It's Horrible! (Mrs. Coyle, Coyle)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Alan Opie, Janice Watson
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 6: Ah! Owen! (Mrs. Coyle, Coyle, Owen, Lechmere) - Interlude IVBenjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Alan Opie, Janice Watson, Peter Coleman-Wright, James Gilchrist
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 7: May God Bless the Queen, and This House (Sir Philip, Mrs. Coyle, Kate, Miss Wingrave, Lechmere)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Robin Leggate, Sarah Fox, Pamela Helen Stephen, Elizabeth Connell, Janice Watson, James Gilchrist
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II: Prologue. The Ballad. There Was a Boy, a Wingrave Born (The Narrator, Chorus)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Robin Leggate, Tiffin Boys Choir
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II: They Called for Him to Toll the Bell (The Narrator, Chorus) - Scene 1. The Bell Was for the Child He Slew (Owen)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Alan Opie, Robin Leggate, Tiffin Boys Choir
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II Scene 1: I Envy You This Fine Old House (Lechmere, Mrs. Julian, Mrs. Coyle, Coyle, Owen, Kate)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Sarah Fox, Janice Watson, Alan Opie, Pamela Helen Stephen
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II Scene 1: Aha! (Sir Philip, Coyle, Lechmere, Mrs. Coyle, Kate, Mrs. Julian, Miss Wingrave)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Robin Leggate, Alan Opie, James Gilchrist, Janice Watson, Pamela Helen Stephen, Sarah Fox
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II Scene 1: And With His Friend Young Lechmere Played (Owen, Miss Wingrave, Kate, Mrs. Julian, Mrs. Coyle)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Alan Opie, Sarah Fox, Pamela Helen Stephen, Elizabeth Connell, Janice Watson
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II Scene 1: Now You May Save Your Scornful Looks (Owen)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II Scene 1: Ah, Owen What Shall I Do? (Kate, Owen)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Pamela Helen Stephen
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II Scene 2: Is That You, Coyle? (Mrs. Coyle, Coyle, Lechmere)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Janice Watson, Alan Opie, James Gilchrist
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II Scene 2: Ah, Owen, Owen (Kate, Lechmere, Mrs. Coyle, Coyle, Mrs. Julian, Miss Wingrave, Sir Philip)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Alan Opie, James Gilchrist, Elizabeth Connell, Janice Watson, Sarah Fox, Pamela Helen Stephen
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