Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Benjamin Britten's choral and vocal masterpieces with this compelling compilation. Released in 2006 by Decca Music Group Ltd., this album brings together some of Britten's most renowned works, showcasing his extraordinary talent for blending classical and neoclassical influences with poignant lyricism.
The album features three distinct collections: "Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo," "Winter Words," and "Who Are These Children?" Each piece is a testament to Britten's ability to evoke deep emotion and vivid imagery through his music. The "Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo" is a cycle of songs based on the poetry of Michelangelo Buonarroti, translated by Edmund Blunden. These songs are performed with exquisite sensitivity, highlighting Britten's gift for setting text to music.
"Winter Words," another highlight of the album, is a song cycle based on poems by Thomas Hardy. This collection is known for its rich, evocative settings and the way it captures the essence of Hardy's poetry. The final piece, "Who Are These Children?" is Britten's last tenor song cycle, composed for Sir Peter Pears. This work is a poignant exploration of childhood and memory, featuring settings of poems by William Soutar.
The album is performed by a stellar cast of artists, including Sir Peter Pears, John Shirley-Quirk, and James Bowman, each bringing their unique interpretive skills to Britten's music. The performances are accompanied by Britten's own piano playing, adding an intimate and personal touch to the recordings.
With a duration of over an hour, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of Benjamin Britten or a newcomer to his work, this compilation is a fantastic way to explore the depth and beauty of his vocal and choral compositions.
Tracks
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XVIBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XXXIBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XXXBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto LVBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XXXVIIIBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XXXIIBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XXIVBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: At Day-Close In NovemberBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: Midnight On the Great WesternBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: Wagtail and BabyBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: The Little Old TableBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: The Choirmaster's BurialBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: Proud SongstersBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: At the Railway Station, UpwayBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: Before Life and AfterBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
On this island, Op. 11: Let the florid music praise!Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Who are these children, Op. 84: 1. A Riddle (The Earth)Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Who are these children, Op. 84: 2. A Laddie's SangBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Who are these children, Op. 84: 3. NightmareBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Who are these children, Op. 84: 4. Black DayBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Who are these children, Op. 84: 5. Bed-timeBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Who are these children, Op. 84: 6. SlaughterBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Who are these children, Op. 84: 7. Riddle (The Child You Were)Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Who are these children, Op. 84: 8. The Larky LadBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Who are these children, Op. 84: 9. Who Are These Children?Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Who are these children, Op. 84: 10. SupperBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Who are these children, Op. 84: 11. The ChildrenBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Who are these children, Op. 84: 12. The Auld AikBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Tit for tat: 1. A Song Of EnchantmentBenjamin Britten, John Shirley-Quirk
Tit for tat: 2. AutumnBenjamin Britten, John Shirley-Quirk
Tit for tat: 3. SilverBenjamin Britten, John Shirley-Quirk
Tit for tat: 4. VigilBenjamin Britten, John Shirley-Quirk
Tit for tat: 5. Tit For TatBenjamin Britten, John Shirley-Quirk
Sweeter than Roses (Ed. Britten)Henry Purcell, James Bowman, Benjamin Britten
When the Cock Begins To CrowHenry Purcell, Sir Peter Pears, John Shirley-Quirk, James Bowman
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