Dive into the rich tapestry of Benjamin Britten's choral masterpieces with this comprehensive collection, released in 1997. This album is a testament to Britten's enduring legacy as one of the most influential English composers of the 20th century. Spanning over two hours, this extensive compilation features 74 tracks that showcase Britten's unparalleled ability to blend traditional choral forms with innovative compositional techniques.
The album opens with a series of hymns dedicated to various saints, followed by the enchanting "Rejoice in the Lamb," a work that sets text from a poem by Christopher Smart to music. This piece is a highlight of the collection, showcasing Britten's unique voice and his deep connection to the English choral tradition.
The "Choral Dances from Gloriana" offer a glimpse into Britten's operatic genius, with each dance movement brimming with energy and rhythmic complexity. The album also includes several of Britten's most beloved carols, such as "A Ceremony of Carols," which features the iconic "Wolcum Yole!" and "This Little Babe."
For those interested in Britten's sacred music, the album features several significant works, including the "Missa Brevis in D Major" and the "Te Deum." These pieces demonstrate Britten's mastery of the choral form and his ability to create music that is both deeply spiritual and profoundly moving.
The album is performed by the Finzi Singers, conducted by Paul Spicer, with Andrew Lumsden on the organ. Their performances are marked by a clarity of tone and precision of ensemble that bring Britten's music to life. The album was originally released as part of a series by Chandos Records and has since become a staple in the choral repertoire. Whether you're a longtime fan of Britten's music or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a wealth of discoveries and delights.
Tracks
Hymn to St Peter, Op. 56aBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Julie Cooper, Finzi Singers
Hymn to St ColumbaBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A Hymn to the VirginBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Julie Cooper, Stephen Carter, Mark Milhofer, Matthew Brook, Finzi Singers
Hymn to St Cecilia, Op. 27: I. In a garden shady this holy ladyBenjamin Britten, Finzi Singers, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Belinda Yates, Kathryn Cook, Andrew Carwood, Matthew Brook
Hymn to St Cecilia, Op. 27: II. I cannot growBenjamin Britten, Finzi Singers, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Belinda Yates, Kathryn Cook, Andrew Carwood, Matthew Brook
Hymn to St Cecilia, Op. 27: III. O ear whose creatures cannot wish to fallBenjamin Britten, Finzi Singers, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Belinda Yates, Kathryn Cook, Andrew Carwood, Matthew Brook
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: I. Rejoice in God, O ye TonguesBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: II. Let Nimrod, the mighty hunterBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: III. Hallelujah from the heart of GodBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: IV. For I will consider my Cat JeoffryBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: V. For the Mouse is a creature of great personal valourBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: VI. For the flowers are great blessingsBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: VII. For I am under the same accusation with my SaviourBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: VIII. For H is a spirit and therefore he is GodBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: IX. For the instruments are by their rhimesBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: X. Hallelujah from the heart of GodBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: I. TimeBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: II. ConcordBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: III. Time and ConcordBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: IV. Country GirlsBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: V. Rustics and FishermenBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: VI. Final Dance of HomageBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: I. Prayer IBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: II. Rosa MysticaBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: III. God's GrandeurBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: IV. Prayer IIBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: V. O Deus, ego amo TeBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: VI. The SoldierBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: VII. Heaven-HavenBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
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
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