Immerse yourself in the profound and evocative world of Benjamin Britten with his compelling album, "Britten: The Rape of Lucretia; Phaedra." This masterful collection, released on January 1, 1990, under Decca Music Group Ltd., is a testament to Britten's genius in the realms of classical, opera, and choral music. Spanning a duration of 2 hours and 3 minutes, the album is a rich tapestry of neoclassical and requiem influences, showcasing Britten's unparalleled ability to blend dramatic intensity with lyrical beauty.
The album features two of Britten's most renowned works: "The Rape of Lucretia" (Op. 37) and "Phaedra" (Op. 93). "The Rape of Lucretia," a chamber opera in two acts, delves into the tragic tale of Lucretia, a story of power, betrayal, and redemption. The opera is brought to life through a series of powerful arias and ensembles, each one a masterclass in musical storytelling. "Phaedra," on the other hand, is a one-act opera that explores the mythical figure of Phaedra, known for her tragic love and ultimate downfall. The three arias from "Phaedra" are performed with such emotional depth and technical brilliance that they stand as some of Britten's most memorable compositions.
Benjamin Britten's unique compositional style shines through in every note, making this album a must-listen for both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre. The meticulous attention to detail, the rich harmonic language, and the dramatic intensity make this album a standout in Britten's illustrious career. Whether you are drawn to the dramatic narratives of the operas or the haunting beauty of the choral works, "Britten: The Rape of Lucretia; Phaedra" promises an unforgettable listening experience.
Tracks
Phaedra, Op. 93: In May, In Brilliant AthensBenjamin Britten, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Steuart Bedford
Phaedra, Op. 93: Oh Gods Of WrathBenjamin Britten, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Steuart Bedford
Phaedra, Op. 93: My Time's Too Short, Your HighnessBenjamin Britten, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Steuart Bedford
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Rome Is Now Ruled By the Etruscan Upstart"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "It Is An Axiom Among Kings"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Here the Thirsty Evening"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Who Reaches Heaven First"Benjamin Britten, John Shirley-Quirk, Bryan Drake, Benjamin Luxon, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Maria Was Unmasked At a Masked Ball"Benjamin Britten, Bryan Drake, John Shirley-Quirk, Benjamin Luxon, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Collatinus Is Politically Astute"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Bryan Drake, John Shirley-Quirk, Benjamin Luxon, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "There Goes a Happy Man!"Benjamin Britten, Benjamin Luxon, Bryan Drake, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Tarquinius Does Not Dare"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "My Horse! My Horse! Tarquinius Does Not Wait"Benjamin Britten, Benjamin Luxon, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Their Spinning-Wheel Unwinds"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Janet Baker, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Listen! I Heard a Knock"Benjamin Britten, Janet Baker, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Time Treads Upon the Hands Of Women"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Janet Baker, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "The Oatmeal Slippers Of Sleep"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, Benjamin Luxon, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "The Prosperity Of the Etruscans"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, John Shirley-Quirk, Jenny Hill, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Bryan Drake, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "She Sleeps As a Rose"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Within This Frail Crucible Of Light"Benjamin Britten, Benjamin Luxon, Heather Harper, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Lucretia!...What Do You Want?"Benjamin Britten, Benjamin Luxon, Janet Baker, Sir Peter Pears, Heather Harper, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: Interlude: "Here In This Scene"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Oh! What a Lovely Day!"Benjamin Britten, Jenny Hill, Elizabeth Bainbridge, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "We'll Leave the Orchids For Lucretia"Benjamin Britten, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Flowers Bring To Every Year"Benjamin Britten, Janet Baker, Elizabeth Bainbridge, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "You Were Right"Benjamin Britten, Jenny Hill, Elizabeth Bainbridge, John Shirley-Quirk, Bryan Drake, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Lucretia! Lucretia!"Benjamin Britten, John Shirley-Quirk, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Last Night Tarquinius Ravished Me"Benjamin Britten, Janet Baker, John Shirley-Quirk, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "This Dead Hand Lets Fall"Benjamin Britten, John Shirley-Quirk, Bryan Drake, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: Epilogue: "Is It All?"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
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