Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Benjamin Britten's "The Rescue of Penelope & Phaedra," a 1996 release under Warner Classics International. This album is a stunning blend of classical, opera, and choral genres, showcasing Britten's mastery in composition. The album features two significant works: "The Rescue of Penelope," a dramatic retelling of the Homeric tale, and "Phaedra," a monodrama that delves into the tragic story of Phaedra.
The album spans 51 minutes and includes 21 tracks, each meticulously crafted to bring to life the rich narratives and complex characters of the original stories. The performances are brought to you by renowned artists such as Kent Nagano, the Hallé Orchestra, and vocalists like Alison Hagley, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, and John Mark Ainsley. The collaboration of these talented individuals results in a performance that is both powerful and nuanced, highlighting Britten's intricate scoring and the depth of his musical storytelling.
"The Rescue of Penelope" is divided into two parts, each exploring different facets of the myth. The first part introduces the characters and their plights, while the second part builds towards a dramatic climax. "Phaedra," on the other hand, is a single, continuous narrative that unfolds with intensity and passion. The album's duration and the sequence of tracks create a cohesive and engaging listening experience, making it a standout piece in Britten's discography.
This album is not just a collection of songs but a journey through the timeless tales of Greek mythology, brought to life through Britten's unique musical language. Whether you are a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding experience. Dive into the world of Britten and let the music transport you to the heart of these ancient stories.
Tracks
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 1: "Eight Years Have Passed" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 1: "Yet Not All Reached Their Homes" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Alison Hagley, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 1: "Worse Still, the Island" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 1: "Children Have Died of Want" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 1: "Yet Some Trust in an End" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 1: "Your Prayer Is Answered, Penelope" (Athene, Hermes)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Alison Hagley, Janet Baker, John Mark Ainsley, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 1: "Long Suffering Odysseus" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 1: "Listen, the Voices of the Gods" (Athene, Artemis, Hermis, Apollo)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Janet Baker, John Mark Ainsley, William Dazeley, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 2: "I, Athene, Rise to the Edge of Night" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 2: "When I See the Sorrow of Mortal Odysseus" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 2: "How Loud the Spring Sounds All of a Sudden" (Athene, Hermes)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Alison Hagley, Janet Baker, John Mark Ainsley, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 2: "Bold! Telemachus, Watch the Shadow on the Wall" (Hermes, Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, John Mark Ainsley, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 2: "There It Is Before You" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 2: "Listen, Lords of Ithaca" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 2: "Telemachus, Be Swift!" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Alison Hagley, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 2: "Now There Is Silence" (Athene, Hermes, Artemis, Apollo)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Alison Hagley, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Janet Baker, John Mark Ainsley, William Dazeley, Hallé
Britten: Phaedra, Op. 93: I. Prologue. "In May, in Brilliant Athens"Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Lorraine Hunt, Hallé
Britten: Phaedra, Op. 93: II. Recitative. "My Lost and Dazzled Eyes"Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Lorraine Hunt, Hallé
Britten: Phaedra, Op. 93: III. Presto. "You Monster!"Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Lorraine Hunt, Hallé
Britten: Phaedra, Op. 93: IV. Recitative. "O Gods of Wrath"Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Lorraine Hunt, Hallé
Britten: Phaedra, Op. 93: IV. Adagio. "My Time's Too Short"Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Lorraine Hunt, Hallé
Whether you're just starting your vinyl collection or have been spinning for years, the right turntable makes all the difference. We've selected the best options for every budget.
Whether a review is positive, negative, or neutral, we always publish it. However, we screen every review to ensure it is authentic and free of profanity. These checks happen automatically, though a human occasionally steps in. We never pay for reviews.
Looking for "Britten: The Rescue of Penelope & Phaedra" on vinyl?
We don't have a live price right now, but stock fluctuates daily. You can check for hidden stock on Amazon directly, or let us alert you as soon as it is available.
