Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Benjamin Britten's choral masterpieces with the album "Britten: Choral Works." Released on January 1, 2017, under the esteemed Harmonia Mundi label, this collection showcases the profound depth and versatility of Britten's compositions. Spanning a mere 53 minutes, the album is a concise yet powerful journey through a variety of genres, including classical, requiem, opera, neoclassical, and choral music.
The album opens with the enchanting "Choral Dances from 'Gloriana,'" a suite that captures the essence of Britten's operatic genius. Each dance, from the serene "Time" to the lively "Final Dance of Homage," is a testament to Britten's ability to evoke a range of emotions through choral music. The album also features the hauntingly beautiful "Hymn to St Cecilia," a tribute to the patron saint of music, and the devout "A Hymn to the Virgin," showcasing Britten's spiritual side.
For those who appreciate nature-inspired music, the "Five Flower Songs" offer a delightful exploration of the natural world through Britten's lyrical compositions. The album concludes with "A.M.D.G. (Ad majorem Dei gloriam)," a deeply spiritual work that reflects Britten's faith and his commitment to creating music that glorifies God.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Benjamin Britten or a newcomer to his work, "Britten: Choral Works" is a must-listen. The album is a testament to Britten's enduring legacy and his ability to create music that transcends time and genre.
2019 harmonia mundi musique2017 harmonia mundi musique
Tracks
Choral Dances from 'Gloriana': TimeBenjamin Britten, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
Choral Dances from 'Gloriana': ConcordBenjamin Britten, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
Choral Dances from 'Gloriana': Time and ConcordBenjamin Britten, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
Choral Dances from 'Gloriana': Country GirlsBenjamin Britten, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
Choral Dances from 'Gloriana': Rustics and FishermenBenjamin Britten, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
Choral Dances from 'Gloriana': Final Dance of HomageBenjamin Britten, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
Hymn to St Cecilia, Op. 27Benjamin Britten, Katharina Hohlfeld, Mi-Young Kim, Waltraud Heinrich, Minsub Hong, Jonathan E. de la Paz Zaen, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
A Hymn to the VirginBenjamin Britten, Mi-Young Kim, Susanne Langner, Volker Arndt, Stefan Drexlmeier, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
Five Flower Songs, Op. 47: 1. To DaffodilsBenjamin Britten, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle
Five Flower Songs, Op. 47: 2. The Succession of the Four Sweet MonthsBenjamin Britten, RIAS Kammerchor, Justin Doyle