Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Benjamin Britten's choral masterpieces with the album "Britten: Saint Nicolas & a Ceremony of Carols." Released on November 6, 2020, under the Signum Classics label, this captivating collection showcases Britten's extraordinary talent for blending classical, neoclassical, and choral genres into a cohesive and mesmerizing musical experience.
The album opens with Britten's "Saint Nicolas, Op. 42," a cantata that narrates the life of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children. This nine-part work is a testament to Britten's ability to create vivid musical storytelling, with each section painting a distinct picture of the saint's journey. From the introduction to the final moments of "The Death of Nicolas," the listener is taken on a journey through the saint's life, filled with moments of devotion, miracles, and piety.
The second half of the album features Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28," a choral cycle that is a staple of the Christmas season. Composed during World War II, this collection of carols is a beacon of hope and tranquility. The cycle begins with "Procession" and concludes with "Recession," framing a series of carols that celebrate the birth of Christ. Each carol, from the joyous "Wolcum Yole!" to the serene "Deo Gracias," is a gem in its own right, showcasing Britten's mastery of choral writing.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes, this album is a substantial exploration of Britten's choral works. The performances are likely to be top-notch, bringing Britten's compositions to life with clarity and emotion. Whether you're a longtime fan of Britten's music or a newcomer to his works, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Tracks
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: IntroductionBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Coldfall Primary School Choir, Hannah Brine Choirs, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: The Birth of NicolasBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Coldfall Primary School Choir, Hannah Brine Choirs, Mark Le Brocq, Zachary Almeida-Rosser, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: Nicolas Devotes Himself to GodBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Coldfall Primary School Choir, Hannah Brine Choirs, Mark Le Brocq, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: He Journeys to PalestineBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Coldfall Primary School Choir, Hannah Brine Choirs, Mark Le Brocq, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: Nicolas Comes to Myra and Is Chosen BishopBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Coldfall Primary School Choir, Hannah Brine Choirs, Mark Le Brocq, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: Nicolas from PrisonBenjamin Britten, BBC Concert Orchestra, Mark Le Brocq, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: Nicolas and the Pickled BoysBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Coldfall Primary School Choir, Hannah Brine Choirs, Mark Le Brocq, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: His Piety and Marvellous WorksBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Coldfall Primary School Choir, Hannah Brine Choirs, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: The Death of NicolasBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Coldfall Primary School Choir, Hannah Brine Choirs, Mark Le Brocq, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: ProcessionBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: Wolcum Yole!Benjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Bryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: There Is No RoseBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: That Yongë ChildBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: BalulalowBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: As Dew in AprilleBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: This Little BabeBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: InterludeBenjamin Britten, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: In Freezing Winter NightBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: Spring CarolBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: Deo GraciasBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: RecessionBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
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