Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Benjamin Britten with this captivating album, released on January 1, 1994, under Universal Music Australia Pty. Ltd. This collection is a delightful blend of classical and choral masterpieces, showcasing Britten's exceptional compositional prowess.
The album opens with "Friday Afternoons," Op. 7, a cycle of songs written for children's voices, filled with wit, charm, and a touch of nostalgia. Each track, from the lively "Begone, Dull Care" to the whimsical "There Was a Monkey," offers a unique glimpse into Britten's ability to capture the essence of childhood.
Following this, "Holiday Diary," Op. 5, transports you to serene landscapes with tracks like "Sailing" and "Night," evoking the tranquility and beauty of nature. The album also features the dramatic "The Ballad of Little Musgrave and Lady Barnard," a compelling narrative that showcases Britten's skill in storytelling through music.
Lastly, "The Golden Vanity," Op. 78, a vaudeville for boys and piano, brings the album to a thrilling close. This piece, with its intricate rhythms and vivid imagery, is a testament to Britten's versatility and innovation.
Performed by esteemed artists including the Vienna Boys' Choir and the Purcell Singers, this album is a treasure trove of Britten's works, spanning various genres and styles. With a total duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, it's a perfect companion for those seeking to explore the rich tapestry of Benjamin Britten's musical legacy.
Songs from "Friday Afternoons", Op. 7: I. Begone, Dull CareBenjamin Britten, Andrei Gavrilov, Vienna Boys' Choir, Jaume Miranda
Songs from "Friday Afternoons", Op. 7: II. A Tragic StoryBenjamin Britten, Gernot Fuhrmann, Andrei Gavrilov, Vienna Boys' Choir, Jaume Miranda
Songs from "Friday Afternoons", Op. 7: III. Cuckoo!Benjamin Britten, Michael Matzner, Gernot Fuhrmann, Andrei Gavrilov, Vienna Boys' Choir, Jaume Miranda
Songs from "Friday Afternoons", Op. 7: IV. Ee-Oh!Benjamin Britten, Gernot Fuhrmann, Andrei Gavrilov, Vienna Boys' Choir, Jaume Miranda
Songs from "Friday Afternoons", Op. 7: V. A New Year CarolBenjamin Britten, Michael Matzner, Andrei Gavrilov, Vienna Boys' Choir, Jaume Miranda
Songs from "Friday Afternoons", Op. 7: VI. I Mun Be Married on SundayBenjamin Britten, Andrei Gavrilov, Vienna Boys' Choir, Jaume Miranda
Songs from "Friday Afternoons", Op. 7: VII. There Was a Man of NewingtonBenjamin Britten, Michael Matzner, Andrei Gavrilov, Vienna Boys' Choir, Jaume Miranda
Songs from "Friday Afternoons", Op. 7: VIII. Fishing SongBenjamin Britten, Michael Matzner, Andrei Gavrilov, Vienna Boys' Choir, Jaume Miranda
Songs from "Friday Afternoons", Op. 7: IX. The Useful PloughBenjamin Britten, Michael Matzner, Andrei Gavrilov, Vienna Boys' Choir, Jaume Miranda
Songs from "Friday Afternoons", Op. 7: X. Jazz-ManBenjamin Britten, Andrei Gavrilov, Vienna Boys' Choir, Jaume Miranda
Songs from "Friday Afternoons", Op. 7: XI. There Was a MonkeyBenjamin Britten, Andrei Gavrilov, Vienna Boys' Choir, Jaume Miranda
Songs from "Friday Afternoons", Op. 7: XII. Old Abram BrownBenjamin Britten, Andrei Gavrilov, Vienna Boys' Choir, Jaume Miranda
Holiday Diary, Op. 5: II. SailingBenjamin Britten, Andrei Gavrilov
The Ballad of Little Musgrave and Lady BarnardBenjamin Britten, Andrei Gavrilov, Chorus Viennensis, Peter Marschik
Holiday Diary, Op. 5: IV. NightBenjamin Britten, Andrei Gavrilov
The Golden Vanity - A Vaudeville for Boys & Piano, Op. 78Benjamin Britten, Michael Matzner, Gernot Fuhrmann, Wolfgang Wieringer, Thomas Weinhappel, Mark Bittermann, Andrei Gavrilov, Vienna Boys' Choir, Peter Marschik