Immerse yourself in the rich, dramatic world of Edward Elgar's "Caractacus, Op. 35," a captivating orchestral work that showcases the composer's mastery of storytelling through music. Released on March 29, 2019, by Hyperion, this album is a testament to Elgar's ability to blend classical orchestration with compelling narrative, creating a listening experience that is both engaging and profound.
Spanning a total of 1 hour and 36 minutes, "Caractacus" is divided into six scenes, each filled with a variety of musical pieces that bring to life the story of the ancient British king Caractacus. The album opens with the stirring "Watchmen, Alert!" and continues through a series of powerful choral and orchestral numbers, including "Rest, Weary Monarch," "Invocation. Lord of Dread, and Lord of Pow'r," and "Lament. O My Warriors." Each piece is meticulously crafted, showcasing Elgar's intricate compositions and his deep understanding of orchestral dynamics.
The album features a diverse range of vocal and instrumental performances, with notable contributions from the chorus, soloists, and the orchestra. The interplay between these elements creates a rich tapestry of sound, highlighting the drama and emotion of the narrative. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, "Caractacus" offers a compelling exploration of Elgar's artistic vision and his ability to create music that resonates on multiple levels.
Edward Elgar, a prominent figure in the world of classical music, is known for his evocative and emotionally charged compositions. "Caractacus" is no exception, offering a deep dive into the composer's ability to tell a story through music. The album is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of history, narrative, and orchestral music.
Tracks
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 1, Watchmen, Alert! (Chorus) –Edward Elgar, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 2, Watchmen, Alert! the King Is Here (Caractacus/Sentries) –Edward Elgar, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Roland Wood, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 3, Father! Sire and King (Eigen/Caractacus/Orbin/Sentries) –Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Roland Wood
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 4, At Eve to the Greenwood (Eigen) –Edward Elgar, Elizabeth Llewellyn, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 5, On the Ocean and the River (Eigen/Orbin/Caractacus) –Edward Elgar, Roland Wood, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Elizabeth Llewellyn, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 6, Rest, Weary Monarch (Spirits of the Hill)Edward Elgar, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 2: No. 1, Tread the Mystic Circle Round (Arch-Druid/Druids/Druid Maidens) –Edward Elgar, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Huddersfield Choral Society, Christopher Purves, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 2: No. 2, Invocation. Lord of Dread, and Lord of Pow'r (Chorus/Arch-Druid) –Edward Elgar, Martyn Brabbins, Christopher Purves, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 2: No. 3, Bard, What Read Ye? (Arch-Druid/Orbin/Caractacus/Druids/Druid Maidens) –Edward Elgar, Roland Wood, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Christopher Purves, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Huddersfield Choral Society
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 2: No. 4, Leap, Leap to Light (Caractacus/Soldiers/Orbin/Arch-Druid) –Edward Elgar, Roland Wood, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Christopher Purves
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 2: No. 5, Hence, Ere the Druid's Wrath Is Woke (Druids/Druid Maidens/Orbin/Soldiers)Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Huddersfield Choral Society
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 3: No. 1, Introduction. The Woodland InterludeEdward Elgar, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 3: No. 2, Come! Beneath Our Woodland Bow'rs (Youths/Maidens) –Edward Elgar, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 3: No. 3, O'er-arch'd by Leaves (Eigen/Orbin) –Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 3: No. 4, Last Night Beneath the Sacred Oak (Orbin) –Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 3: No. 5, Come! Beneath Our Woodland Bow'rs – They Gather the Wreaths (Youths/Maidens/Orbin/Eigen)Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 4: No. 1, Wild Rumours Shake Our Calm Retreat (Maidens) –Edward Elgar, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 4: No. 2, When the Glow of the Evening (Eigen/Maidens) –Edward Elgar, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 4: No. 3, We Were Gather'd by the River (Soldiers) –Edward Elgar, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 4: No. 4, Lament. O My Warriors (Caractacus/Chorus)Edward Elgar, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins, Roland Wood
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 5: No. 5, Captive Britons, See Them! (A Bard/Druid Maidens) –Edward Elgar, Christopher Purves, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 1, Processional Music. The March Triumphal Thunders (Chorus)Edward Elgar, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 2, Unbind His Hands (Claudius) –Edward Elgar, Alastair Miles, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 3, Heap Torment upon Torment (Caractacus/Eigen/Orbin) –Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Elizabeth Llewellyn, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins, Roland Wood
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 4, Slay, Slay the Briton! (Roman Citizens/Claudius) –Edward Elgar, Alastair Miles, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 5, I Plead Not for Myself (Caractacus/Orbin/Eigen/Roman Citizens/Claudius) –Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Alastair Miles, Roland Wood, Huddersfield Choral Society, Elizabeth Llewellyn, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 6, Grace from the Roman! (Eigen/Orbin/Caractacus/Claudius) –Edward Elgar, Martyn Brabbins, Elizabeth Llewellyn, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Roland Wood, Alastair Miles
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 7, The Clang of Arms Is Over (Chorus)Edward Elgar, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Huddersfield Choral Society
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