Dive into the profound and evocative world of Benjamin Britten with this exquisite collection, "Before Life & After." Released on Harmonia Mundi in 2009, this album is a testament to Britten's mastery of choral and vocal compositions, spanning genres from classical and neoclassical to opera and requiem. The album features a rich tapestry of works, including Britten's profound settings of John Donne's Holy Sonnets, Op. 35, and his enchanting Winter Words, Op. 52, alongside a selection of folksongs and hymns.
Mark Padmore's velvety tenor and Roger Vignoles' sensitive piano accompaniment bring Britten's music to life with stunning clarity and depth. The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, composed in 1945, are a powerful exploration of faith, doubt, and redemption, while Winter Words, Op. 52, showcases Britten's unique ability to capture the essence of Thomas Hardy's poetry. The album also includes a selection of folksongs, beautifully arranged and performed, adding a touch of folk charm to the classical repertoire.
With a duration of just over an hour, this album is a perfect introduction to Britten's choral and vocal works, as well as a delightful addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. The album's thoughtful programming and impeccable performances make it a standout release in Britten's discography, offering a unique blend of spirituality, introspection, and musical brilliance.
2009 harmonia mundi usa2009 harmonia mundi usa
Tracks
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: I. Oh my blacke Soule!Benjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: II. Batter my heartBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: III. O might those sighes and tearesBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: IV. Oh, to vex meBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: V. What if this presentBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: VI. Since she whom I lovedBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: VII. At the round earth's imagined cornersBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: VIII. Thou hast made meBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: IX. Death, be not proudBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
A Morning HymnBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Job's CurseBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
An Evening Hymn, Z 193Benjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: I. At Day-close in NovemberBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: II. Midnight on the Great WesternBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: III. Wagtail and BabyBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: IV. The little old TableBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: V. The Choirmaster's BurialBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: VI. Proud SongstersBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: VII. At the Railway Station, UpwayBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Winter Words, Op. 52: VIII. Before Life and afterBenjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Folksongs: I. I Wonder as I WanderTraditional, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Folksongs: II. Sail on, Sail onTraditional, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Folksongs: III. The Miller of DeeTraditional, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Folksongs: IV. At the mid hour of nightTraditional, Benjamin Britten, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
Folksongs: V. There's none to sootheTraditional, Roger Vignoles, Mark Padmore
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