Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Benjamin Britten's choral masterpieces with this captivating album, released on October 21, 2013, by Kings College Cambridge. This collection showcases three of Britten's most celebrated works: "Saint Nicolas," "Hymn to St. Cecilia," and "Rejoice in the Lamb," each offering a unique blend of classical, requiem, opera, neoclassical, and choral elements.
"Saint Nicolas," a cantata for tenor, boys' choir, and orchestra, narrates the life of Saint Nicholas through nine evocative movements. From his birth to his miraculous deeds and eventual death, Britten's composition is a testament to the saint's enduring legacy. The work is based on a libretto by Eric Crozier, a frequent collaborator of Britten, who also co-wrote the opera "Albert Herring."
Complementing "Saint Nicolas" are two of Britten's most beloved choral works. "Hymn to St. Cecilia," a celebration of the patron saint of music, is a joyous and uplifting piece that highlights Britten's mastery of choral writing. "Rejoice in the Lamb," set to a text by Christopher Smart, is a jubilant and exuberant composition that showcases the full range of the choir's capabilities.
Performed by the renowned Britten Sinfonia and recorded in glorious surround sound, this album offers an unparalleled listening experience. With a total duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes, it is a perfect addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. The album's tracklist includes:
- Saint Nicolas: I. Introduction
- Saint Nicolas: II. The Birth of Nicolas
- Saint Nicolas: III. Nicolas devotes himself to God
- Saint Nicolas: IV. He journeys to Palestine
- Saint Nicolas: V. Nicolas comes to Myra and is chosen Bishop
- Saint Nicolas: VI. Nicolas from Prison
- Saint Nicolas: VII. Nicolas and the Pickled Boys
- Saint Nicolas: VIII. His piety and marvellous works
- Saint Nicolas: IX. The Death of Nicolas
- Hymn to Saint Cecilia
- Rejoice in the Lamb
Whether you're a longtime fan of Benjamin Britten or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to delight and inspire.
