Immerse yourself in the powerful and dramatic world of Edward Elgar's "Caractacus, Op. 35," a captivating orchestral and choral work that showcases the composer's mastery of storytelling through music. Released in 2019 by Hyperion, this album is a testament to Elgar's ability to evoke vivid imagery and deep emotion, transporting you to the heart of ancient Britain.
Comprising 28 tracks, the album spans a rich 96 minutes, divided into six scenes that narrate the tale of Caractacus, the British king who valiantly defends his kingdom against Roman invaders. Each scene is a masterclass in orchestration and choral arrangement, featuring the Huddersfield Choral Society and conducted by Martyn Brabbins, who brings out the full dramatic potential of Elgar's score.
From the stirring opening chorus "Watchmen, Alert!" to the triumphant "Processional Music. The March Triumphal Thunders," the album is a journey through a landscape of heroism, conflict, and ultimately, the poignant resolution of Caractacus' fate. The interplay between the various characters—Caractacus, Orbin, Claudius, and the Druids—is brought to life through Elgar's richly textured compositions, making each track a distinct and memorable moment.
Elgar's "Caractacus, Op. 35" is not just a historical piece; it is a timeless exploration of human resilience and the struggle for freedom. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or new to the genre, this album offers a profound and engaging listening experience that highlights the enduring power of Elgar's music.
Tracks
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 1, Watchmen, Alert! (Chorus) –Edward Elgar, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 2, Watchmen, Alert! the King Is Here (Caractacus/Sentries) –Edward Elgar, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Roland Wood, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 3, Father! Sire and King (Eigen/Caractacus/Orbin/Sentries) –Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Roland Wood
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 4, At Eve to the Greenwood (Eigen) –Edward Elgar, Elizabeth Llewellyn, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 5, On the Ocean and the River (Eigen/Orbin/Caractacus) –Edward Elgar, Roland Wood, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Elizabeth Llewellyn, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 6, Rest, Weary Monarch (Spirits of the Hill)Edward Elgar, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 2: No. 1, Tread the Mystic Circle Round (Arch-Druid/Druids/Druid Maidens) –Edward Elgar, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Huddersfield Choral Society, Christopher Purves, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 2: No. 2, Invocation. Lord of Dread, and Lord of Pow'r (Chorus/Arch-Druid) –Edward Elgar, Martyn Brabbins, Christopher Purves, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 2: No. 3, Bard, What Read Ye? (Arch-Druid/Orbin/Caractacus/Druids/Druid Maidens) –Edward Elgar, Roland Wood, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Christopher Purves, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Huddersfield Choral Society
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 2: No. 4, Leap, Leap to Light (Caractacus/Soldiers/Orbin/Arch-Druid) –Edward Elgar, Roland Wood, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Christopher Purves
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 2: No. 5, Hence, Ere the Druid's Wrath Is Woke (Druids/Druid Maidens/Orbin/Soldiers)Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Huddersfield Choral Society
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 3: No. 1, Introduction. The Woodland InterludeEdward Elgar, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 3: No. 2, Come! Beneath Our Woodland Bow'rs (Youths/Maidens) –Edward Elgar, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 3: No. 3, O'er-arch'd by Leaves (Eigen/Orbin) –Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 3: No. 4, Last Night Beneath the Sacred Oak (Orbin) –Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 3: No. 5, Come! Beneath Our Woodland Bow'rs – They Gather the Wreaths (Youths/Maidens/Orbin/Eigen)Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 4: No. 1, Wild Rumours Shake Our Calm Retreat (Maidens) –Edward Elgar, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 4: No. 2, When the Glow of the Evening (Eigen/Maidens) –Edward Elgar, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 4: No. 3, We Were Gather'd by the River (Soldiers) –Edward Elgar, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 4: No. 4, Lament. O My Warriors (Caractacus/Chorus)Edward Elgar, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins, Roland Wood
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 5: No. 5, Captive Britons, See Them! (A Bard/Druid Maidens) –Edward Elgar, Christopher Purves, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 1, Processional Music. The March Triumphal Thunders (Chorus)Edward Elgar, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 2, Unbind His Hands (Claudius) –Edward Elgar, Alastair Miles, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 3, Heap Torment upon Torment (Caractacus/Eigen/Orbin) –Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Elizabeth Llewellyn, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins, Roland Wood
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 4, Slay, Slay the Briton! (Roman Citizens/Claudius) –Edward Elgar, Alastair Miles, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 5, I Plead Not for Myself (Caractacus/Orbin/Eigen/Roman Citizens/Claudius) –Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Alastair Miles, Roland Wood, Huddersfield Choral Society, Elizabeth Llewellyn, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 6, Grace from the Roman! (Eigen/Orbin/Caractacus/Claudius) –Edward Elgar, Martyn Brabbins, Elizabeth Llewellyn, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Roland Wood, Alastair Miles
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 7, The Clang of Arms Is Over (Chorus)Edward Elgar, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Huddersfield Choral Society
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