Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Benjamin Britten's cello compositions with this captivating album, released on December 30, 2012, by Hyperion. Spanning a generous 1 hour and 59 minutes, this collection showcases Britten's mastery of classical music, offering a rich tapestry of genres including neoclassical, choral, and opera.
The album opens with Britten's Cello Symphony, Op. 68, a four-movement work that demonstrates the composer's ability to blend orchestral grandeur with the intimate expressiveness of the cello. Following this is the Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 65, a five-movement piece that highlights Britten's skill in crafting dynamic and engaging musical dialogues.
The heart of the album lies in the three Cello Suites, Op. 72, 80, and 87. Each suite is a journey through a variety of moods and styles, from the contemplative and lyrical to the energetic and playful. The suites are notable for their technical demands and their exploration of the cello's full range of expressive capabilities.
The album concludes with the Tema 'Sacher' (1976), a short but memorable piece dedicated to the renowned cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. This collection is a testament to Britten's enduring influence and his ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience.
Tracks
Cello Symphony, Op. 68: I. Allegro maestosoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Manze
Cello Symphony, Op. 68: II. Presto inquietoBenjamin Britten, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Alban Gerhardt, Andrew Manze
Cello Symphony, Op. 68: III. Adagio – Cadenza ad lib –Benjamin Britten, Andrew Manze, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Symphony, Op. 68: IV. Passacaglia. Andante allegroBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt, Andrew Manze, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 65: I. Dialogo. AllegroBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt, Steven Osborne
Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 65: II. Scherzo-Pizzicato. AllegrettoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt, Steven Osborne
Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 65: III. Elegia. LentoBenjamin Britten, Steven Osborne, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 65: IV. Marcia. EnergicoBenjamin Britten, Steven Osborne, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 65: V. Moto perpetuo. PrestoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt, Steven Osborne
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: I. Canto primo. Sostenuto e largamenteBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: II. Fuga. Andante moderatoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: III. Lamento. Lento rubatoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: IV. Canto segundo. SostenutoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: V. Serenata. Allegretto, pizzicatoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: VI. Marcia. Alla marcia moderatoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: VII. Canto terzo. SostenutoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: VIII. Bordone. Moderato quasi recitativoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 1, Op. 72: IX. Moto perpetuo e Canto quarto. PrestoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 2, Op. 80: I. Declamato. LargoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 2, Op. 80: II. Fuga. AndanteBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 2, Op. 80: III. Scherzo. Allegro moltoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 2, Op. 80: IV. Andante lentoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 2, Op. 80: V. Ciaccona. AllegroBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: I. Introduzione. LentoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: II. Marcia. AllegroBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: III. Canto. Con moto –Benjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: IV. Barcarola. Lento –Benjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: V. Dialogo. Allegretto –Benjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: VI. Fuga. Andante espressivoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: VII. Recitativo. FantasticoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: VIII. Moto perpetuo. PrestoBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Cello Suite No. 3, Op. 87: IX. Passacaglia. Lento solenne – Mournful Song – Autumn – Street Song – Grant ReposeBenjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
Tema 'Sacher' (1976)Benjamin Britten, Alban Gerhardt
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: Cello Symphony, Cello Sonata & Cello Suites Nos. 1, 2 & 3" 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.
