Dive into the enchanting world of Benjamin Britten's choral masterpieces with this captivating album, featuring two of his most beloved works: "A Ceremony of Carols" and "Saint Nicolas." Released in 2012 by Hyperion, this album showcases the brilliance of Britten's compositional genius, blending traditional carols with innovative musical techniques to create a unique and captivating listening experience.
"A Ceremony of Carols," composed in 1942-43, is a stunning cycle of carols for boys' voices, harp, and strings. This work is renowned for its delicate harmonies, evocative melodies, and the haunting beauty of its interludes. The album begins with the procession and ends with a recession, framing a series of carols that celebrate the Christmas story with a sense of wonder and reverence.
Complementing this is "Saint Nicolas," composed in 1948, a cantata that tells the story of the life of Saint Nicholas. This work is a dramatic and vivid portrayal, featuring a variety of characters and a narrative that spans from the saint's birth to his death. The piece is a testament to Britten's ability to craft compelling and engaging choral music.
Performed by the renowned Trinity College Choir Cambridge under the direction of Stephen Layton, this album benefits from the choir's exceptional vocal clarity and precision. The harp and string accompaniments add depth and richness to the performances, bringing Britten's scores to life with stunning fidelity.
With a total duration of approximately 73 minutes, this album offers a rich and rewarding exploration of Britten's choral works. The cover artwork, featuring a memorial to Benjamin Britten by John Piper, adds a visual dimension to the musical experience, celebrating the enduring legacy of one of the 20th century's most influential composers. Whether you are a longtime fan of Britten's music or a newcomer to his works, this album is sure to delight and inspire.
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: I. ProcessionBenjamin Britten, Stephen Layton, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: II. Wolcom Yole!Benjamin Britten, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Stephen Layton, Sally Pryce
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: III. There Is No RoseBenjamin Britten, Sally Pryce, Stephen Layton, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: IV. That Yongë ChildBenjamin Britten, Zoë Brown, Sally Pryce, Stephen Layton
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: V. BalulalowBenjamin Britten, Sally Pryce, Stephen Layton, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Katherine Watson
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: VI. As Dew in AprilleBenjamin Britten, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Stephen Layton, Sally Pryce
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: VII. This Little BabeBenjamin Britten, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Stephen Layton, Sally Pryce
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: VIII. InterludeBenjamin Britten, Sally Pryce
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: IX. In Freezing Winter NightBenjamin Britten, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Katherine Watson, Zoë Brown, Stephen Layton, Sally Pryce
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: X. Spring CarolBenjamin Britten, Katherine Watson, Zoë Brown, Stephen Layton, Sally Pryce
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: XI. Deo graciasBenjamin Britten, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Stephen Layton, Sally Pryce
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: XII. RecessionBenjamin Britten, Stephen Layton, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: I. IntroductionBenjamin Britten, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Allan Clayton, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers, City of London Sinfonia
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: II. The Birth of NicolasBenjamin Britten, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Allan Clayton, City of London Sinfonia, Temple Church Choristers, Luke McWatters, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: III. Nicolas Devotes Himself to GodBenjamin Britten, Allan Clayton, Stephen Layton, City of London Sinfonia
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: IV. He Journeys to PalestineBenjamin Britten, City of London Sinfonia, Allan Clayton, Stephen Layton, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, The Holst Singers, Jeremy Cole
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: V. Nicolas Comes to Myra and Is Chosen BishopBenjamin Britten, Allan Clayton, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, City of London Sinfonia, Jeremy Cole
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: VI. Nicolas from PrisonBenjamin Britten, Allan Clayton, Stephen Layton, City of London Sinfonia
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: VII. Nicolas and the Pickled BoysBenjamin Britten, Allan Clayton, City of London Sinfonia, Temple Church Choristers, Stephen Layton, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, The Holst Singers, Jeremy Cole
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: VIII. His Piety and Marvellous WorksBenjamin Britten, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers, City of London Sinfonia
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: IX. The Death of NicolasBenjamin Britten, The Choir Of Trinity College, Cambridge, Allan Clayton, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers, City of London Sinfonia
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