Immerse yourself in the profound and evocative world of Benjamin Britten with this captivating album, "Britten: The Rape of Lucretia; Phaedra." Released in 1990 under Decca Music Group Ltd., this collection is a masterful blend of classical, opera, and choral genres, showcasing Britten's unparalleled compositional genius. Spanning a duration of 2 hours and 3 minutes, the album features 29 tracks that weave together the dramatic narratives of "The Rape of Lucretia" and "Phaedra."
The album opens with the hauntingly beautiful "Phaedra, Op. 93," a triptych of pieces that delve into the mythological tale of Phaedra's tragic love. The second half of the album is dedicated to Britten's chamber opera "The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37," a powerful exploration of ancient Roman history and human emotion. The opera is presented in its entirety, with each act divided into compelling scenes that bring the story to life.
Featuring renowned artists such as Dame Janet Baker, Sir Peter Pears, and Heather Harper, the album is a testament to the exceptional talents of both the composer and the performers. The English Chamber Orchestra provides a rich and nuanced musical backdrop, enhancing the dramatic and emotional depth of the compositions.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Britten's work, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The intricate interplay of voices and instruments, coupled with Britten's masterful storytelling, makes this a standout addition to any music collection.
Tracks
Phaedra, Op. 93: In May, In Brilliant AthensBenjamin Britten, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Steuart Bedford
Phaedra, Op. 93: Oh Gods Of WrathBenjamin Britten, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Steuart Bedford
Phaedra, Op. 93: My Time's Too Short, Your HighnessBenjamin Britten, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Steuart Bedford
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Rome Is Now Ruled By the Etruscan Upstart"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "It Is An Axiom Among Kings"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Here the Thirsty Evening"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Who Reaches Heaven First"Benjamin Britten, John Shirley-Quirk, Bryan Drake, Benjamin Luxon, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Maria Was Unmasked At a Masked Ball"Benjamin Britten, Bryan Drake, John Shirley-Quirk, Benjamin Luxon, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Collatinus Is Politically Astute"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Bryan Drake, John Shirley-Quirk, Benjamin Luxon, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "There Goes a Happy Man!"Benjamin Britten, Benjamin Luxon, Bryan Drake, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Tarquinius Does Not Dare"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "My Horse! My Horse! Tarquinius Does Not Wait"Benjamin Britten, Benjamin Luxon, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Their Spinning-Wheel Unwinds"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Janet Baker, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Listen! I Heard a Knock"Benjamin Britten, Janet Baker, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Time Treads Upon the Hands Of Women"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Janet Baker, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "The Oatmeal Slippers Of Sleep"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, Benjamin Luxon, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "The Prosperity Of the Etruscans"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, John Shirley-Quirk, Jenny Hill, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Bryan Drake, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "She Sleeps As a Rose"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Within This Frail Crucible Of Light"Benjamin Britten, Benjamin Luxon, Heather Harper, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Lucretia!...What Do You Want?"Benjamin Britten, Benjamin Luxon, Janet Baker, Sir Peter Pears, Heather Harper, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: Interlude: "Here In This Scene"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Oh! What a Lovely Day!"Benjamin Britten, Jenny Hill, Elizabeth Bainbridge, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "We'll Leave the Orchids For Lucretia"Benjamin Britten, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Flowers Bring To Every Year"Benjamin Britten, Janet Baker, Elizabeth Bainbridge, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "You Were Right"Benjamin Britten, Jenny Hill, Elizabeth Bainbridge, John Shirley-Quirk, Bryan Drake, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Lucretia! Lucretia!"Benjamin Britten, John Shirley-Quirk, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Last Night Tarquinius Ravished Me"Benjamin Britten, Janet Baker, John Shirley-Quirk, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "This Dead Hand Lets Fall"Benjamin Britten, John Shirley-Quirk, Bryan Drake, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: Epilogue: "Is It All?"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
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