Britten Conducts Britten

Dive into the masterful world of Benjamin Britten with this exceptional album, "Britten Conducts Britten," released in 2010. This collection showcases the genius of one of Britain's most celebrated composers, who also takes the baton as conductor, offering a unique perspective on his own compositions. The album features a blend of genres, including classical, requiem, opera, neoclassical, and choral, providing a rich and varied listening experience.

The album opens with selections from Britten's "Gloriana," a symphonic suite that captures the opulence and intrigue of the Tudor court. The suite includes vocal and orchestral versions of "The Tournament," "The Lute Song," "Courtly Dances," and "Gloriana Moritura," each piece brimming with Britten's signature melodic and harmonic ingenuity.

Following this, the album presents the "Sinfonia da Requiem," a powerful and reflective work that includes the haunting "Lacrymosa," the dramatic "Dies Irae," and the solemn "Requiem aeternam." These pieces underscore Britten's ability to evoke deep spiritual and emotional resonance.

The album also includes a delightful set of variations on an Elizabethan theme, featuring contributions from notable composers such as Arthur Oldham, Michael Tippett, Lennox Berkeley, Benjamin Britten himself, Humphrey Searle, and William Walton. Each variation offers a unique interpretation of the theme, showcasing the diversity and creativity of these composers.

Additionally, the album features an arrangement of the "Chaconne" from Britten's opera "King Arthur," providing a taste of his dramatic and operatic prowess. With a duration of just over an hour, this album is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Benjamin Britten's musical genius, conducted by the composer himself.

Benjamin Britten, a titan of 20th-century British music, is celebrated for his profound contributions to opera, choral, and orchestral compositions. Born in Lowestoft, Suffolk, in 1913, Britten began his musical journey at the tender age of six, with his first compositions published during his student years. His operatic works, such as the hauntingly powerful "Peter Grimes" and the poignant "Billy Budd," have earned him a place among the most prominent figures in modern opera, often drawing comparisons to Ralph Vaughan Williams. Britten's repertoire spans a wide range of genres, from enchanting operas to heartfelt choral masterpieces and orchestral gems like "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra." His emotive and accessible compositions continue to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest British composers of his generation. Beyond his composing prowess, Britten was also a skilled conductor and pianist, and he served as the President of the Society of Recorder Players from 1958 until his passing in 1976.