Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Benjamin Britten with this captivating album, released on February 16, 1998, under the Naxos label. This collection showcases Britten's mastery across various genres, including classical, requiem, opera, neoclassical, and choral music, all within a concise yet impactful duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes.
The album opens with Britten's Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31, a seven-movement work that beautifully blends the rich tones of a tenor, horn, and strings. Each movement, from the Prologue to the Epilogue, offers a unique emotional landscape, taking you on a journey through pastoral scenes, nocturnal musings, and solemn elegies.
Following this is Les illuminations, Op. 18, a setting of poems by Arthur Rimbaud. This ten-movement cycle is a vivid exploration of light, color, and imagery, with each piece painting a distinct picture. From the fanfare of the opening to the departure of the final movement, Britten's music brings Rimbaud's words to life in a way that is both evocative and deeply moving.
The album concludes with Nocturne, Op. 60, a six-movement work that delves into the mysteries of the night. Each nocturne is a gem in its own right, offering a different perspective on the darkness and the dreams that dwell within it. Britten's use of text and music creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that lingers long after the final note fades away.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Benjamin Britten or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a compelling introduction to his unique voice and artistic vision. The performances are top-notch, capturing the essence of Britten's compositions with precision and passion. This is a recording that will enrich your classical music collection and provide endless hours of listening pleasure.
Tracks
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: I. PrologueBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: II. PastoralBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: III. NocturneBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: IV. ElegyBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: V. DirgeBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: VI. HymnBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: VII. SonnetBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: VIII. EpilogueBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: I. FanfareBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: II. VillesBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: III. PhraseBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: IV. AntiqueBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: V. RoyauteBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: VI. MarineBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: VII. InterludeBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: VIII. Being BeauteousBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: IX. ParadeBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Les illuminations, Op. 18: X. DepartBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Nocturne, Op. 60: I. On a Poet's Lips I SleptBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Nocturne, Op. 60: II. Below the Thunders of the Upper DeepBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Nocturne, Op. 60: III. Encinctured with a Twine of LeavesBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Nocturne, Op. 60: IV. Midnight's Bell Goes Ting, Ting, Ting...Benjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Nocturne, Op. 60: V. But That Night When on My Bed I LayBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Nocturne, Op. 60: VI. She Sleeps On Soft, Last BreathsBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Nocturne, Op. 60: VII. What Is More Gentle?Benjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
Nocturne, Op. 60: VIII. When Most I WinkBenjamin Britten, Adrian Thompson, Michael Thompson, Bournemouth Sinfonietta, David Lloyd-Jones
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