Immerse yourself in the profound and evocative compositions of Benjamin Britten with the album "Britten: 'Before Life & After'." This captivating collection, released on June 9, 2009, under the Harmonia Mundi label, spans a rich tapestry of genres including classical, requiem, opera, neoclassical, and choral music. The album is a testament to Britten's mastery, featuring a duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes of meticulously crafted works.
The album opens with Britten's profound setting of John Donne's Holy Sonnets, Op. 35, a series of deeply introspective and spiritual poems that explore themes of mortality, faith, and redemption. Each of the nine sonnets is brought to life with Britten's distinctive musical language, creating a powerful and moving experience.
Following the sonnets, the album presents a variety of Britten's other significant works. "A Morning Hymn" and "An Evening Hymn, Z 193" offer serene and contemplative pieces, while "Job's Curse" delves into darker, more tumultuous emotions. The "Winter Words, Op. 52" cycle, based on poems by Thomas Hardy, showcases Britten's ability to capture the essence of nature and human experience in his music.
The album also includes a selection of Britten's folksong arrangements, demonstrating his deep connection to traditional music and his skill in reimagining these timeless melodies. From the haunting beauty of "I Wonder as I Wander" to the lively energy of "The Miller of Dee," these arrangements highlight Britten's versatility and his ability to breathe new life into familiar tunes.
"Britten: 'Before Life & After'" is a compelling journey through the musical landscape of one of the 20th century's most influential composers. Whether you are a longtime fan of Britten's work or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the depth and breadth of his artistic vision.
Tracks
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: I. Oh my blacke Soule!Benjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: II. Batter my heartBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: III. O might those sighes and tearesBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: IV. Oh, to vex meBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: V. What if this presentBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: VI. Since she whom I lovedBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: VII. At the round earth's imagined cornersBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: VIII. Thou hast made meBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: IX. Death, be not proudBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
A Morning HymnBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Job's CurseBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
An Evening Hymn, Z 193Benjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: I. At Day-close in NovemberBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: II. Midnight on the Great WesternBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: III. Wagtail and BabyBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: IV. The little old TableBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: V. The Choirmaster's BurialBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: VI. Proud SongstersBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: VII. At the Railway Station, UpwayBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: VIII. Before Life and afterBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Folksongs: I. I Wonder as I WanderTraditional, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Folksongs: II. Sail on, Sail onTraditional, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Folksongs: III. The Miller of DeeTraditional, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Folksongs: IV. At the mid hour of nightTraditional, Benjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Folksongs: V. There's none to sootheTraditional, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
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