Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of choral music with Ian Partridge's captivating album, a masterful blend of compositions by Benjamin Britten and Lennox Berkeley. Released on January 1, 1992, under the Ondine label, this album spans a rich tapestry of genres and moods, all within a concise duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes.
The album opens with Britten's "Songs from the Chinese, Op. 58," a collection of six evocative pieces that draw inspiration from Chinese poetry, each song painting a vivid picture with its unique melody and rhythm. Following this, Partridge delves into Britten's "Theme and Variations, Op. 77," a complex and intricate work that showcases the composer's genius for musical development.
The second half of the album is dedicated to Lennox Berkeley's "Songs of the Half-Light, Op. 65," a set of five songs that explore the subtleties of human emotion, and Britten's "Nocturnal after John Dowland, Reflections on Come, heavy sleep, Op. 70," a profound and introspective work that reflects on the music of the Renaissance composer John Dowland.
Throughout the album, Partridge's exceptional vocal prowess is complemented by a selection of folk song arrangements, adding a touch of traditional charm to the contemporary compositions. Whether you're a seasoned choral music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling journey through the works of two of the 20th century's most influential composers.
Tracks
Songs from the Chinese, Op. 58: No. 1, The Big ChariotBenjamin Britten, Ian Partridge, Jukka Savijoki
Songs from the Chinese, Op. 58: No. 2, The Old LuteBenjamin Britten, Ian Partridge, Jukka Savijoki
Songs from the Chinese, Op. 58: No. 3, The Autumn WindBenjamin Britten, Ian Partridge, Jukka Savijoki
Songs from the Chinese, Op. 58: No. 4, The Herd-BoyBenjamin Britten, Ian Partridge, Jukka Savijoki
Songs from the Chinese, Op. 58: No. 5, DepressionBenjamin Britten, Ian Partridge, Jukka Savijoki
Songs from the Chinese, Op. 58: No. 6, Dance SongBenjamin Britten, Ian Partridge, Jukka Savijoki
Theme and Variations, Op. 77: Theme. Moderato -Lennox Berkeley, Jukka Savijoki
Theme and Variations, Op. 77: Variation 1: Allegro - Meno vivo -Lennox Berkeley, Jukka Savijoki
Theme and Variations, Op. 77: Variation 2: Allegretto -Lennox Berkeley, Jukka Savijoki
Theme and Variations, Op. 77: Variation 3: Lento -Lennox Berkeley, Jukka Savijoki
Theme and Variations, Op. 77: Variation 4: Andante -Lennox Berkeley, Jukka Savijoki
Theme and Variations, Op. 77: Variation 5: Allegro - Un poco largamente - Tempo I -Lennox Berkeley, Jukka Savijoki
Theme and Variations, Op. 77: Variation 6 (Epilogue): LentoLennox Berkeley, Jukka Savijoki
Folk Song Arrangements, Vol. 6, "England": The Soldier and the SailorBenjamin Britten, Ian Partridge, Jukka Savijoki
Folk Song Arrangements, Vol. 6, "England": The Shooting of his DearBenjamin Britten, Ian Partridge, Jukka Savijoki
Guitar Sonatina, Op. 52, No. 1: I. AllegrettoLennox Berkeley, Jukka Savijoki
Guitar Sonatina, Op. 52, No. 1: II. LentoLennox Berkeley, Jukka Savijoki
Guitar Sonatina, Op. 52, No. 1: III. Rondo. Allegro non troppoLennox Berkeley, Jukka Savijoki
8 Folk Song Arrangements: Bonny at mornBenjamin Britten, Ian Partridge, Jukka Savijoki
Folk Song Arrangements, Vol. 6, "England": Master KilbyBenjamin Britten, Ian Partridge, Jukka Savijoki
Songs of the Half-Light, Op. 65: No. 1, RachelLennox Berkeley, Ian Partridge, Jukka Savijoki
Songs of the Half-Light, Op. 65: No. 2, Full MoonLennox Berkeley, Ian Partridge, Jukka Savijoki
Songs of the Half-Light, Op. 65: No. 3, All That's PastLennox Berkeley, Ian Partridge, Jukka Savijoki
Songs of the Half-Light, Op. 65: No. 4, The MothLennox Berkeley, Ian Partridge, Jukka Savijoki
Songs of the Half-Light, Op. 65: No. 5, The FleetingLennox Berkeley, Ian Partridge, Jukka Savijoki
Nocturnal after John Dowland, Reflections on Come, heavy sleep, Op. 70: I. MusinglyBenjamin Britten, Jukka Savijoki
Nocturnal after John Dowland, Reflections on Come, heavy sleep, Op. 70: II. Very agitatedBenjamin Britten, Jukka Savijoki
Nocturnal after John Dowland, Reflections on Come, heavy sleep, Op. 70: III. RestlessBenjamin Britten, Jukka Savijoki
Nocturnal after John Dowland, Reflections on Come, heavy sleep, Op. 70: IV. UneasyBenjamin Britten, Jukka Savijoki
Nocturnal after John Dowland, Reflections on Come, heavy sleep, Op. 70: V. March-likeBenjamin Britten, Jukka Savijoki
Nocturnal after John Dowland, Reflections on Come, heavy sleep, Op. 70: VI. DreamingBenjamin Britten, Jukka Savijoki
Nocturnal after John Dowland, Reflections on Come, heavy sleep, Op. 70: VII. Gently rockingBenjamin Britten, Jukka Savijoki
Nocturnal after John Dowland, Reflections on Come, heavy sleep, Op. 70: VIII. PassacagliaBenjamin Britten, Jukka Savijoki
Nocturnal after John Dowland, Reflections on Come, heavy sleep, Op. 70: IX. Slow and quietBenjamin Britten, Jukka Savijoki
Folk Song Arrangements, Vol. 6, "England": I Will Give My Love an AppleBenjamin Britten, Ian Partridge, Jukka Savijoki
Folk Song Arrangements, Vol. 6, "England": Sailor-boyBenjamin Britten, Ian Partridge, Jukka Savijoki
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