Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Benjamin Britten's "Song Cycles," a remarkable collection of vocal works that showcases the composer's profound musicality and poetic sensibilities. Released on November 10, 2014, under the Heritage Records label, this album spans a rich tapestry of genres, including classical, requiem, opera, neoclassical, and choral music, offering a diverse and engaging listening experience.
The album is divided into three distinct song cycles, each exploring different themes and emotions. The first cycle, "Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22," features settings of Michelangelo's sonnets, sung with exquisite sensitivity and depth. The second cycle, "Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31," is a pastoral and reflective journey through various moods and landscapes, accompanied by the rich, mellow tones of the horn and strings. The final cycle, "Winter Words, Op. 52," is a poignant exploration of Thomas Hardy's poetry, capturing the essence of winter's stark beauty and the human condition.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes, "Song Cycles" is a testament to Britten's masterful compositional skills and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through music. Whether you are a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album offers a compelling and rewarding experience that highlights the enduring power of Britten's musical vision.
Tracks
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: I. Sonetto XVI - Sì come nella penna e nell' inchiostroBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: II. Sonetto XXXI - A che più debb'io mai l'intensa vogliaBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: III. Sonetto XXX - Veggio co' bei vostri occhi un dolce lumeBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: IV. Sonetto LV - Tu sa' ch'io so, signor mie, che tu saiBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: V. Sonetto XXXVIII - Rendete a gli occhi mieiBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: VI. Sonetto XXXII - S'un casto amor, s'una pietà supernaBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: VII. Sonetto XXIV - Spirto ben nato, in cui si specchia e vedeBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: I. PrologueBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: II. PastoraleBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: III. NocturneBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: IV. ElegyBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: V. DirgeBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: VI. HymnBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: VII. SonnetBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: VIII. EpilogueBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: I. At Day-Close in NovemberBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: II. Midnight on the Great Western 'The Journeying Boy'Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: III. Wagtail and Baby 'A Satire'Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: IV. The Little Old TableBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: V. The Choirmaster's Burial 'The Tenor Man's Story'Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: VI. Proud Songsters 'Thrushes, Finches and Nightingales'Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: VII. At the Railway Station, Upway 'The Convict and the Boy with the Violin'Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: VIII. Before Life and AfterBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
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