Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Benjamin Britten's piano compositions with this remarkable album, released on September 1, 2008, by Hyperion. This collection showcases Britten's versatility and mastery, blending classical elegance with neoclassical innovation. The album features the Piano Concerto in D Major, Op. 13, a four-movement work that highlights Britten's dynamic range, from the energetic "Toccata" to the lyrical "Impromptu." Additionally, the album includes the original 1938 version of the third movement, offering a unique glimpse into Britten's creative process.
The album also presents "Young Apollo," Op. 16, a concise yet powerful piece that exemplifies Britten's ability to convey depth and emotion with remarkable economy. "Diversions for Piano Left Hand & Orchestra," Op. 21, is a standout work, composed for pianist Paul Wittgenstein, who lost his right arm during World War I. This intricate and varied piece is a testament to Britten's ingenuity, featuring a theme and ten variations that explore a wide range of moods and styles, from the majestic "Maestoso" to the playful "Badinerie."
With a total duration of 1 hour and 11 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Britten's piano compositions, offering both familiar and lesser-known works. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Britten's music or a newcomer eager to explore his oeuvre, this album is a treasure trove of musical brilliance.
Tracks
Piano Concerto in D Major, Op. 13: I. Toccata. Allegro molto e con brioBenjamin Britten, Ilan Volkov, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Steven Osborne
Piano Concerto in D Major, Op. 13: II. Waltz. AllegrettoBenjamin Britten, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Ilan Volkov, Scott Dickinson, Steven Osborne
Piano Concerto in D Major, Op. 13: III. Impromptu. Andante lentoBenjamin Britten, Steven Osborne, Ilan Volkov, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Piano Concerto in D Major, Op. 13: IV. March. Allegro moderato – sempre alla marciaBenjamin Britten, Ilan Volkov, Steven Osborne, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Piano Concerto in D Major, Op. 13 (1938 Original Version): III. Recit and Aria. LentoBenjamin Britten, Steven Osborne, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Ilan Volkov
Young Apollo, Op. 16Benjamin Britten, Steven Osborne, Ilan Volkov, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Diversions for Piano Left Hand & Orchestra, Op. 21: Theme. MaestosoBenjamin Britten, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Ilan Volkov, Steven Osborne
Diversions for Piano Left Hand & Orchestra, Op. 21: Var. 1. Recit. L'istesso tempo. MaestosoBenjamin Britten, Steven Osborne, Ilan Volkov, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Diversions for Piano Left Hand & Orchestra, Op. 21: Var. 2. Romance. Allegretto mossoBenjamin Britten, Ilan Volkov, Steven Osborne, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Diversions for Piano Left Hand & Orchestra, Op. 21: Var. 3. March. Allegro con brioBenjamin Britten, Steven Osborne, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Ilan Volkov
Diversions for Piano Left Hand & Orchestra, Op. 21: Var. 4. Arabesque. AllegrettoBenjamin Britten, Steven Osborne, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Ilan Volkov
Diversions for Piano Left Hand & Orchestra, Op. 21: Var. 5. Chant. Andante solennementeBenjamin Britten, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Ilan Volkov, Steven Osborne
Diversions for Piano Left Hand & Orchestra, Op. 21: Var. 6. Nocturne. Andante piacevoleBenjamin Britten, Steven Osborne, Ilan Volkov, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Diversions for Piano Left Hand & Orchestra, Op. 21: Var. 7. Badinerie. Grave – VivacissimoBenjamin Britten, Ilan Volkov, Steven Osborne, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Diversions for Piano Left Hand & Orchestra, Op. 21: Var. 8. Burlesque. Molto moderatoBenjamin Britten, Ilan Volkov, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Steven Osborne
Diversions for Piano Left Hand & Orchestra, Op. 21: Var. 9a. Toccata I. AllegroBenjamin Britten, Steven Osborne, Ilan Volkov, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Diversions for Piano Left Hand & Orchestra, Op. 21: Var. 9b. Toccata II – Cadenza. L'istesso tempoBenjamin Britten, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Ilan Volkov, Steven Osborne
Diversions for Piano Left Hand & Orchestra, Op. 21: Var. 10. AdagioBenjamin Britten, Steven Osborne, Ilan Volkov, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Diversions for Piano Left Hand & Orchestra, Op. 21: Finale. Tarantella. Presto con fuocoBenjamin Britten, Ilan Volkov, Steven Osborne, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
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