"Britten & Messiaen - Choral Works" is a captivating exploration of two of the 20th century's most influential composers, Benjamin Britten and Olivier Messiaen, brought to life by the esteemed Terry Edwards and the London Sinfonietta Chorus. This double album, released in 2001 under the Warner Classics label, offers a rich tapestry of choral and operatic works that showcase the unique voices and innovative compositions of Britten and Messiaen.
The album features a diverse range of pieces, from Britten's evocative "A Boy Was Born" and the serene "Hymn to St Cecilia" to Messiaen's ethereal "Trois petites liturgies de la Présence Divine" and the hauntingly beautiful "O Sacrum Convivium." Each track is performed with precision and passion, highlighting the intricate harmonies and profound lyrics that define these composers' styles.
Terry Edwards, the director and bass vocalist, leads a stellar ensemble that includes the renowned St Paul's Cathedral Choir, the London Sinfonietta, and a cast of exceptional soloists. The performances are marked by their clarity, depth, and the seamless blend of voices, creating an immersive and resonant listening experience.
With a total duration of nearly two hours and forty minutes, this album is a comprehensive journey through the choral works of Britten and Messiaen, offering both familiar favorites and lesser-known gems. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Britten & Messiaen - Choral Works" promises a rewarding and enriching experience.
Britten: A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Theme. "A Boy Was Born"Benjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Britten: A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation I. Lullaby, JesuBenjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Britten: A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation II. HerodBenjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Britten: A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation III. Jesu, as Thou Art Our SaviourBenjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Britten: A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation IV. The Three KingsBenjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Britten: A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation V. In the Bleak Mid-WinterBenjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Britten: A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation VI. Noël!Benjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Britten: Hymn to St Cecilia, Op. 27Benjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, London Sinfonietta Voices
Britten: A.M.D.G. "Ad majorem Dei gloriam": I. Heaven-HavenBenjamin Britten, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Terry Edwards
Britten: A.M.D.G. "Ad Majorem Dei gloriam": II. O Deus, ego amo teBenjamin Britten, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Terry Edwards
Britten: A.M.D.G. "Ad majorem Dei gloriam": III. Rosa MysticaBenjamin Britten, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Terry Edwards
Britten: A.M.D.G. "Ad majorem Dei gloriam": IV. The SoldierBenjamin Britten, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Terry Edwards
Britten: A.M.D.G. "Ad majorem Dei gloriam": V. Prayer IIBenjamin Britten, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Terry Edwards
Britten: A.M.D.G. "Ad majorem Dei gloriam": VI. God's GrandeurBenjamin Britten, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Terry Edwards
Britten: A.M.D.G. "Ad majorem Dei gloriam": VII. Prayer IBenjamin Britten, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Terry Edwards
Britten: A Shepherd's CarolBenjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Trois petites liturgies de la Présence Divine: I. Antienne de la Conversation Intérieure (Dieu present en nous)Olivier Messiaen, Rolf Hind/Cynthia Miller/London Sinfonietta Chorus/London Sinfonietta Voices/London Sinfonietta/Terry Edwards, Terry Edwards, London Sinfonietta
Britten: A.M.D.G. "Ad majorem Dei gloriam": II. O Deus, ego amo teBenjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Trois petites liturgies de la Présence Divine: III. Psalmodie de l'Ubiquité par amour (Dieu present en toutes choses)Olivier Messiaen, Rolf Hind/Cynthia Miller/London Sinfonietta Chorus/London Sinfonietta Voices/London Sinfonietta/Terry Edwards, Terry Edwards, London Sinfonietta
Cinq Rechants: I. Les amoureux s'envolentOlivier Messiaen, London Sinfonietta Voices, Terry Edwards
Cinq Rechants: II. Ma première foisOlivier Messiaen, London Sinfonietta Voices, Terry Edwards
Cinq Rechants: III. Ma robe d'amourOlivier Messiaen, London Sinfonietta Voices, Terry Edwards
Cinq Rechants: IV. Mon bouquet tout défait rayonneOlivier Messiaen, London Sinfonietta Voices, Terry Edwards
Cinq Rechants: V. Tes yeux voyagentOlivier Messiaen, London Sinfonietta Voices, Terry Edwards
O Sacrum ConviviumOlivier Messiaen, London Sinfonietta Voices, Terry Edwards
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