Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Benjamin Britten's "Owen Wingrave," a compelling opera that showcases the composer's mastery of neoclassical and choral music. Released on January 24, 2000, by Chandos, this album is a testament to Britten's unique ability to blend classical and contemporary elements, creating a rich and engaging musical experience.
"Owen Wingrave" is a one-act opera that delves into themes of duty, honor, and the consequences of defying societal expectations. The story follows the titular character, Owen Wingrave, as he grapples with his family's military legacy and his own pacifist beliefs. The opera is a powerful exploration of individuality and the struggle against tradition, set against the backdrop of a 19th-century English family.
The album features a stellar cast of vocalists, each bringing depth and nuance to their respective roles. The chorus and orchestra provide a lush and evocative soundscape, enhancing the drama and emotional resonance of the opera. With a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes, "Owen Wingrave" is a substantial and immersive listening experience that will captivate fans of classical, opera, and choral music alike.
Benjamin Britten's "Owen Wingrave" is not just an opera; it's a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. The album is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of music and storytelling, and a shining example of Britten's enduring legacy in the world of classical music.
Tracks
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I: PreludeBenjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 1: You've Got Your Maps There? (Coyle, Lechmere, Owen)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Alan Opie, James Gilchrist
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 1: Sir, I Can't Go Through With It (Owen, Coyle)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Alan Opie
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 1: Straight Out of School They Come to Me (Coyle) - InterludeBenjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Alan Opie
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 2: At Last It's Out. No Doubt Old Coyle Will Rage (Owen, Miss Wingrave, Coyle) - Interlude IIBenjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Alan Opie, Elizabeth Connell
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 3: Your Sherry, Mrs. Coyle (Lechmere, Mrs. Coyle, Coyle, Owen)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Alan Opie, James Gilchrist, Janice Watson
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 3: Owen, You Can't Mean It - It's Mad, It's Your Whole Life (Lechmere, Owen) - Interlude IIIBenjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, James Gilchrist
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 4: Oh, How Unforeseen (Mrs. Julian, Kate, Miss Wingrave)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Sarah Fox, Pamela Helen Stephen, Elizabeth Connell
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 4: And now, to face them, all of them, the living and the dead (Owen, Miss Wingrave, Mrs. Julian)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Sarah Fox, Pamela Helen Stephen, Elizabeth Connell
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 4: Sirrah! How Dare You! (Sir Philip, Kate) - Scene 5. How Dare You! (Miss Wingrave, Kate, Sir Philip, Mrs. Julian)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Robin Leggate, Sarah Fox, Pamela Helen Stephen, Elizabeth Connell
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 6: Coyle, I Wish I Had Not Come. It's Horrible! (Mrs. Coyle, Coyle)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Alan Opie, Janice Watson
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 6: Ah! Owen! (Mrs. Coyle, Coyle, Owen, Lechmere) - Interlude IVBenjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Alan Opie, Janice Watson, Peter Coleman-Wright, James Gilchrist
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act I Scene 7: May God Bless the Queen, and This House (Sir Philip, Mrs. Coyle, Kate, Miss Wingrave, Lechmere)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Robin Leggate, Sarah Fox, Pamela Helen Stephen, Elizabeth Connell, Janice Watson, James Gilchrist
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II: Prologue. The Ballad. There Was a Boy, a Wingrave Born (The Narrator, Chorus)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Robin Leggate, Tiffin Boys Choir
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II: They Called for Him to Toll the Bell (The Narrator, Chorus) - Scene 1. The Bell Was for the Child He Slew (Owen)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Alan Opie, Robin Leggate, Tiffin Boys Choir
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II Scene 1: I Envy You This Fine Old House (Lechmere, Mrs. Julian, Mrs. Coyle, Coyle, Owen, Kate)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Sarah Fox, Janice Watson, Alan Opie, Pamela Helen Stephen
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II Scene 1: Aha! (Sir Philip, Coyle, Lechmere, Mrs. Coyle, Kate, Mrs. Julian, Miss Wingrave)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Robin Leggate, Alan Opie, James Gilchrist, Janice Watson, Pamela Helen Stephen, Sarah Fox
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II Scene 1: And With His Friend Young Lechmere Played (Owen, Miss Wingrave, Kate, Mrs. Julian, Mrs. Coyle)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Alan Opie, Sarah Fox, Pamela Helen Stephen, Elizabeth Connell, Janice Watson
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II Scene 1: Now You May Save Your Scornful Looks (Owen)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II Scene 1: Ah, Owen What Shall I Do? (Kate, Owen)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Peter Coleman-Wright, Pamela Helen Stephen
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II Scene 2: Is That You, Coyle? (Mrs. Coyle, Coyle, Lechmere)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Janice Watson, Alan Opie, James Gilchrist
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85, Act II Scene 2: Ah, Owen, Owen (Kate, Lechmere, Mrs. Coyle, Coyle, Mrs. Julian, Miss Wingrave, Sir Philip)Benjamin Britten, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Alan Opie, James Gilchrist, Elizabeth Connell, Janice Watson, Sarah Fox, Pamela Helen Stephen
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