Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Benjamin Britten's song cycles with this captivating album, released on Heritage Records. This collection, spanning a little over an hour, showcases some of the lesser-known yet equally compelling works by the renowned composer. The album features four distinct song cycles: "Our Hunting Fathers," "On This Island," "A Charm of Lullabies," and "Winter Words," each setting texts by notable poets and writers.
"Our Hunting Fathers" and "On This Island" are set to the words of W.H. Auden, offering a profound exploration of human experiences and nature. "A Charm of Lullabies" presents a soothing collection of lullabies, while "Winter Words" delves into the evocative poetry of Thomas Hardy, capturing the essence of the season and the human condition.
This album is a testament to Britten's mastery of vocal and choral composition, blending classical, neoclassical, and choral elements seamlessly. Each track is performed with meticulous attention to detail, bringing Britten's vision to life. Whether you're a seasoned fan of classical music or a newcomer to Britten's work, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The intricate layering of voices and the evocative use of text make this a standout collection in Britten's discography.
(C) 2021 Heritage Records(P) 2021 Heritage Records
Tracks
Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8: I. PrologueBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, London Symphony Orchestra
Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8: II. Rats away!Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, London Symphony Orchestra
Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8: III. MessalinaBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, London Symphony Orchestra
Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8: IV. Hawing for the partridge (Dance of Death)Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, London Symphony Orchestra
Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8: V. EpilogueBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, London Symphony Orchestra
On This Island, Op. 11: I. Let the florid music praise!Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
On This Island, Op. 11: II. Now the leaves are falling fastBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
On This Island, Op. 11: III. Seascape (‘For Kit Welford’)Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
On This Island, Op. 11: IV. NocturneBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
On This Island, Op. 11: V. As it is plentyBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
A Charm of Lullabies, Op. 41: I. A Cradle SongBenjamin Britten, Helen Watts
A Charm of Lullabies, Op. 41: II. A Highland BalouBenjamin Britten, Helen Watts
A Charm of Lullabies, Op. 41: III. Sephestia's LullabyBenjamin Britten, Helen Watts
A Charm of Lullabies, Op. 41: IV. A CharmBenjamin Britten, Helen Watts
A Charm of Lullabies, Op. 41: V. The Nurse's SongBenjamin Britten, Helen Watts
Winter Words, Op. 52: I. At Day-Close in NovemberBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: II. Midnight on the Great Western (or, The Journeying Boy)Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: III. Wagtail and Baby (A Satire)Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: IV. The Little Old TableBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: V. The Choirmaster's Burial (or, The Tenor Man's Story)Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: VI. Proud Songsters (Thrushes, Finches and Nightingales)Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: VII. At the Railway Station, Upway (or, The Convict and Boy with the Violin)Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: VIII. Before Life and AfterBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
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