Benjamin Britten's iconic opera, Peter Grimes, Op. 33, is a masterpiece of classical music that showcases the composer's unique blend of neoclassical and choral elements. Released on 1 September 2020 by Chandos, this album is a must-listen for fans of opera and classical music.
With a duration of 2 hours and 18 minutes, this album takes you on a journey through the story of Peter Grimes, a fisherman who is struggling to come to terms with his past. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own unique interludes and scenes that showcase Britten's mastery of orchestration and vocal writing.
The album features a range of genres, from classical and opera to requiem and choral music, making it a truly eclectic and engaging listen. From the opening prologue to the final scene, the music is both haunting and beautiful, with intricate harmonies and melodies that will leave you spellbound.
Benjamin Britten's Peter Grimes, Op. 33, is a work of genius that has stood the test of time, and this album is a testament to the composer's enduring legacy. With its rich and complex soundscapes, this album is perfect for anyone looking to explore the world of classical music and opera. So sit back, relax, and let the music of Benjamin Britten transport you to a world of beauty and drama.
2020 Chandos Records2020 Chandos Records
Tracks
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Prologue: Peter Grimes! Peter Grimes! (Hobson)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Barnaby Rea
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Prologue: The truth - the pity - and the truth (Peter)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Prologue: Interlude IBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act I, Scene 1: Oh hang at open doors the net, the cork (Chorus of Fishermen and Women)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act I, Scene 1: Hi! Give us a hand! (Peter)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act I, Scene 1: I have to go from pub to pub (Hobson)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Barnaby Rea
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act I, Scene 1: Look! The storm cone! (Balstrode)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Roderick Williams
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act I, Scene 1: And do you prefer the storm (Balstrode)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Roderick Williams
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act I: Interlude IIBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act I, Scene 2: Past time to close! (Auntie)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Susan Bickley
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act I, Scene 2: Pub conversation should depend (Balstrode)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Roderick Williams
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act I, Scene 2: Now the Great Bear and Pleiades (Peter)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act I, Scene 2: He's mad or drunk (Chorus)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act I, Scene 2: Old Joe has gone fishing (Keene and the Others)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Marcus Farnsworth
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act I, Scene 2: The bridge is down, we half swam over (Keene and the Others)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Barnaby Rea
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act II: Interlude IIIBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act II, Scene 1: Glitter of waves (Ellen)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Erin Wall
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act II, Scene 1: Wherefore I pray and beseech you (Rector)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, James Gilchrist
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act II, Scene 1: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord (Chorus)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act II, Scene 1: Fool! To let it come to this! (Auntie)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Susan Bickley
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act II, Scene 1: People ...No! I will speak!... (Boles)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Murray
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act II, Scene 1: We planned that their lives (Ellen)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Erin Wall
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act II, Scene 1: Swallow - shall we go and see Grimes in his hut? (Rector)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, James Gilchrist
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act II, Scene 1: From the gutter (Nieces)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Hanna Husáhr, Vibeke Kristensen
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act II: Interlude IVBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act II, Scene 2: Go there! Go there! (Peter)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act II, Scene 2: In dreams I've built myself some kindlier home (Peter)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act II, Scene 2: Sometimes I see that boy here in this hut (Peter)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Stuart Skelton
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act II, Scene 2: Peter Grimes! Peter Grimes! Nobory here? (Rector)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, James Gilchrist
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act III: Interlude VBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act III, Scene 1: Assign your prettiness to me (Swallow)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Neal Davies
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act III, Scene 1: Mister Keene! Can you spare a moment? (Mrs Sedley)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Catherine Wyn-Rogers
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act III, Scene 1: Come along, Doctor! (First Burgess)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, James Berry
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act III, Scene 1: Is the boat in? (Ellen)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Erin Wall
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act III, Scene 1: Embroidery in childhood (Ellen)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Erin Wall
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act III, Scene 1: We'll find him, maybe give him a hand (Balstrode)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Roderick Williams
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act III, Scene 1: Mister Swallow! Mister Swallow! (Mrs Sedley)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Catherine Wyn-Rogers
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act III: Interlude VIBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act III, Scene 2: Grimes! Grimes! (Voices)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act III, Scene 2: Peter, we've come to take you home (Ellen)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Erin Wall
Peter Grimes, Op. 33, Act III, Scene 2: To those who pass, the Borough sounds betray (Chorus, led by Soprano)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra
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.