Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Benjamin Britten's musical genius with the 1996 release, "Britten: World of the Spirit, An American Overture & King Arthur." This captivating album, conducted by Richard Hickox and performed by the BBC Philharmonic and Britten Singers, is a harmonious blend of classical, choral, and operatic masterpieces that showcase Britten's unparalleled compositional prowess.
The album opens with "An American Overture," a vibrant and dynamic piece that sets the stage for the enchanting journey ahead. Following this, the "King Arthur Suite" unfolds in four distinct movements, each offering a unique blend of orchestral and choral brilliance. From the dramatic "Overture" to the exhilarating "Finale. Battle," this suite is a testament to Britten's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music.
The centerpiece of the album is "The World of the Spirit," a profound and deeply moving choral work that explores themes of faith, love, and the human spirit. Divided into three parts, this monumental composition features a diverse array of vocal and instrumental performances, each contributing to the overall tapestry of sound. The album's duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes ensures that listeners are fully immersed in the intricate details and nuances of Britten's compositions.
Recorded by the renowned Chandos label, this album is a must-listen for anyone with an appreciation for classical music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Benjamin Britten or a newcomer to his work, "Britten: World of the Spirit, An American Overture & King Arthur" is sure to leave a lasting impression. Experience the timeless beauty of Britten's music and discover why he remains one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century.
Tracks
An American OvertureBenjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
King Arthur Suite: I. Overture. Fanfare - Introduction - The Lady of the Lake - Wedding MarchBenjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
King Arthur Suite: II. Scherzo. Doom - Wild Dance - Death Music - Wild DanceBenjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
King Arthur Suite: III. Variations. Galahad - Graal MusicBenjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
King Arthur Suite: IV. Finale. BattleBenjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The World of the Spirit, Part I. Prologue: I. PreludeBenjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The World of the Spirit, Part I. Prologue: I. I will pour out my spirit on all flesh (Speaker 1)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Hannah Gordon
The World of the Spirit, Part I. Prologue: II. O Thou that movest all (Chorus)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Britten Singers, Simon Wright
The World of the Spirit, Part I. Prologue: II. The Comforter, the Holy Spirit (Speaker 1, Speaker 2)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Hannah Gordon, Cormac Rigby
The World of the Spirit, Part I. Prologue: III. The Sun, the Moon, the Stars (Tenor, Chorus)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Martyn Hill, Britten Singers, Simon Wright
The World of the Spirit, Part I. Prologue: III. And, behold, the Lord passed by (Speaker 2)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Cormac Rigby
The World of the Spirit, Part I. Prologue: IVa. This is my commandment (Tenor, Chorus)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Martyn Hill, Britten Singers, Simon Wright
The World of the Spirit, Part I. Prologue: IVb. With wide-embracing love (Soprano, Alto, Chorus)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Susan Chilcott, Pamela Helen Stephen, Britten Singers, Simon Wright
The World of the Spirit, Part II. The Fruits of the Spirit: IVb. Lord make me see thy glory (Speaker 2)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Cormac Rigby
The World of the Spirit, Part II. The Fruits of the Spirit: V. O Life, O Love, now undivided (Soprano, Alto, Chorus)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Susan Chilcott, Pamela Helen Stephen, Britten Singers, Simon Wright
The World of the Spirit, Part II. The Fruits of the Spirit: V. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (Speaker 1)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Hannah Gordon
The World of the Spirit, Part II. The Fruits of the Spirit: VIa. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace (Speaker 1, Speaker 2Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Hannah Gordon, Cormac Rigby, Pamela Helen Stephen, Martyn Hill, Stephen Varcoe
The World of the Spirit, Part II. The Fruits of the Spirit: VIb. The fruit of the Spirit is love (Alto)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Pamela Helen Stephen
The World of the Spirit, Part II. The Fruits of the Spirit: VIb. One day in November 1682 (Speaker 1, Speaker 2)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Hannah Gordon, Cormac Rigby
The World of the Spirit, Part II. The Fruits of the Spirit: VIc. The fruit of the Spirit is faith (Bass)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Varcoe
The World of the Spirit, Part II. The Fruits of the Spirit: VIc. And Jesus went away (Speaker 1)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Hannah Gordon
The World of the Spirit, Part II. The Fruits of the Spirit: VId. The fruit of the Spirit is goodness, is meekness (Alto)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Pamela Helen Stephen
The World of the Spirit, Part II. The Fruits of the Spirit: VId. The Chief Rabbi Abraham Bloch (Speaker 2)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Cormac Rigby
The World of the Spirit, Part II. The Fruits of the Spirit: VIe. The fruit of the Spirit is long-suffering (Alto)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Pamela Helen Stephen
The World of the Spirit, Part II. The Fruits of the Spirit: VIe. When James Connolly, the Irish rebel (Speaker 1, Speaker 2)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Hannah Gordon, Cormac Rigby
The World of the Spirit, Part II. The Fruits of the Spirit: VIf. The fruit of the Spirit is joy (Alto, Tenor, Bass)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Pamela Helen Stephen, Martyn Hill, Stephen Varcoe
The World of the Spirit, Part II. The Fruits of the Spirit: VIf. St Francis of Assisi (Speaker 1, Speaker 2)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Hannah Gordon, Cormac Rigby
The World of the Spirit, Part II. The Fruits of the Spirit: VII. The Spirit of the Lord (Speaker 1, Speaker 2)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Hannah Gordon, Cormac Rigby
The World of the Spirit, Part III. Epilogue: VII. Spirit to whom my spirit would reply (Speaker 1, Speaker 2)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Hannah Gordon, Cormac Rigby
The World of the Spirit, Part III. Epilogue: VIII. O knowing, glorious Spirit! (Soprano)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Susan Chilcott
The World of the Spirit, Part III. Epilogue: VIII. I went out one afternoon (Speaker 2)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Cormac Rigby
The World of the Spirit, Part III. Epilogue: IX. The world is charged (Soprano, Chorus)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Susan Chilcott, Britten Singers, Simon Wright
The World of the Spirit, Part III. Epilogue: IX. God is a Spirit (Speaker 1)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Hannah Gordon
The World of the Spirit, Part III. Epilogue: X. Come, O Creator Spirit, Come (Chorus)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Britten Singers, Simon Wright
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