Benjamin Britten's 1998 album "Britten: Serenade for Tenor / Les Illuminations / Nocturne" is a captivating collection of three distinct yet harmoniously connected works, showcasing Britten's mastery of vocal and orchestral composition. The album opens with the "Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31," a seven-movement piece that explores a range of moods and themes, from the playful "Pastoral" to the solemn "Elegy." The tenor voice is accompanied by a horn and strings, creating a rich and evocative soundscape.
Following the serenade is "Les Illuminations, Op. 18," a setting of poems by Arthur Rimbaud. This ten-movement work is performed by the Bournemouth Sinfonietta and features a variety of textures and colors, from the fanfare-like opening to the delicate "Interlude" and the triumphant "Parade." The album concludes with "Nocturne, Op. 60," a cycle of seven songs based on poems by various authors. This work is notable for its use of seven obligato instruments, which add depth and complexity to the vocal line.
Throughout the album, Britten's distinctive musical language is on full display, characterized by its lyrical melodies, intricate harmonies, and sensitive use of orchestral color. The performances are top-notch, with the tenor soloist and the accompanying ensembles bringing out the full expressive potential of Britten's music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Britten's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to provide a rewarding and engaging listening experience. With a duration of just under an hour and nine minutes, it's a concise yet comprehensive introduction to some of Britten's most important vocal and orchestral works.
Tracks
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: I. PrologueBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: II. PastoralBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: III. NocturneBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: IV. ElegyBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: V. DirgeBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: VI. HymnBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: VII. SonnetBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: VIII. EpilogueBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: I. FanfareBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: II. VillesBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: III. PhraseBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: IV. AntiqueBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: V. RoyauteBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: VI. MarineBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: VII. InterludeBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: VIII. Being BeauteousBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: IX. ParadeBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: X. DepartBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Nocturne, Op. 60: I. On a Poet's Lips I SleptBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Nocturne, Op. 60: II. Below the Thunders of the Upper DeepBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Nocturne, Op. 60: III. Encinctured with a Twine of LeavesBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Nocturne, Op. 60: IV. Midnight's Bell Goes Ting, Ting, Ting...Benjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Nocturne, Op. 60: V. But That Night When on My Bed I LayBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Nocturne, Op. 60: VI. She Sleeps On Soft, Last BreathsBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Nocturne, Op. 60: VII. What Is More Gentle?Benjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Nocturne, Op. 60: VIII. When Most I WinkBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
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