Les Illuminations, Op. 18: I. FanfareBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Felicity Lott
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: II. VillesBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Felicity Lott
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: IIIa. PhraseBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Felicity Lott
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: IIIb. AntiqueBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Felicity Lott
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: IV. RoyautéBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Felicity Lott
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: V. MarineBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Felicity Lott
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: VI. InterludeBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Felicity Lott
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: VII. Being BeauteousBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Felicity Lott
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: VIII. ParadeBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Felicity Lott
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: IX. DépartBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Felicity Lott
Quatre Chansons françaises: I. Nuits de JuinBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Felicity Lott
Quatre Chansons françaises: II. SagesseBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Felicity Lott
Quatre Chansons françaises: III. L'EnfanceBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Felicity Lott
Quatre Chansons françaises: IV. Chanson d'AutomneBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Felicity Lott
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: I. PrologueBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Michael Thompson
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: II. PastoralBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Michael Thompson
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: III. NocturneBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Michael Thompson
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: IV. ElegyBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Michael Thompson
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: V. DirgeBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Michael Thompson
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: VI. HymnBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Michael Thompson
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: VII. SonnetBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Michael Thompson
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: VIII. EpilogueBenjamin Britten, Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Michael Thompson
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Benjamin Britten with this exquisite collection of works, recorded in 1989 and released under the Chandos label. This album showcases Britten's mastery of various genres, including classical, choral, and neoclassical music, all within a concise 58-minute duration.
The album opens with "Les Illuminations, Op. 18," a cycle of nine songs set to the poetry of Arthur Rimbaud. This piece is a testament to Britten's ability to blend text and music seamlessly, creating a profound and evocative experience. Following this, the "Quatre Chansons françaises" offers a delightful contrast, featuring four songs that reflect Britten's deep appreciation for French poetry and music.
The centerpiece of the album is the "Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31." This ambitious work is a journey through various moods and styles, from the pastoral serenity of the second movement to the haunting elegance of the fourth. Each movement is a gem in its own right, showcasing Britten's versatility and innovation.
The album features the incomparable Felicity Lott, whose voice brings a unique sensitivity and depth to Britten's compositions. Accompanied by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Lott's performance is nothing short of breathtaking. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Britten's work, this album is a must-listen, offering a rich and rewarding exploration of one of the 20th century's most influential composers.
1989 Chandos Records1989 Chandos Records
About Benjamin Britten
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.
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Benjamin Britten
