Benjamin Britten's exquisite album, Britten: Saint Nicolas & a Ceremony of Carols, is a masterful blend of classical and choral music, showcasing the composer's unique neoclassical style. Released on 6 November 2020 via Signum Classics, this captivating collection spans 1 hour and 11 minutes, taking listeners on a journey through some of Britten's most revered works.
The album is divided into two distinct sections, beginning with the cantata 'Saint Nicolas', Op. 42, which tells the story of the legendary saint through a series of evocative movements. From the introductory piece to the final, mournful 'The Death of Nicolas', Britten's characteristic flair for drama and emotion shines through.
The second part of the album is dedicated to 'A Ceremony of Carols', Op. 28, a beautiful and intricate collection of carols that showcase Britten's skill in crafting sublime, operatic pieces. With movements such as 'Wolcum Yole!' and 'That Yongë Child', the album is filled with a sense of wonder and joy, perfectly capturing the essence of the festive season.
Throughout the album, Benjamin Britten's genius for composition is evident, as he weaves together complex harmonies and melodies to create a truly unforgettable listening experience. With its unique blend of classical, requiem, opera, and choral elements, Britten: Saint Nicolas & a Ceremony of Carols is a must-listen for fans of Britten's work and classical music enthusiasts alike.
(C) 2020 Signum Records(P) 2020 BBC & Signum Records
Tracks
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: IntroductionBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Coldfall Primary School Choir, Hannah Brine Choirs, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: The Birth of NicolasBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Coldfall Primary School Choir, Hannah Brine Choirs, Mark Le Brocq, Zachary Almeida-Rosser, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: Nicolas Devotes Himself to GodBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Coldfall Primary School Choir, Hannah Brine Choirs, Mark Le Brocq, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: He Journeys to PalestineBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Coldfall Primary School Choir, Hannah Brine Choirs, Mark Le Brocq, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: Nicolas Comes to Myra and Is Chosen BishopBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Coldfall Primary School Choir, Hannah Brine Choirs, Mark Le Brocq, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: Nicolas from PrisonBenjamin Britten, BBC Concert Orchestra, Mark Le Brocq, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: Nicolas and the Pickled BoysBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Coldfall Primary School Choir, Hannah Brine Choirs, Mark Le Brocq, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: His Piety and Marvellous WorksBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Coldfall Primary School Choir, Hannah Brine Choirs, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
Saint Nicolas, Op 42: The Death of NicolasBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, Coldfall Primary School Choir, Hannah Brine Choirs, Mark Le Brocq, David Temple, Mariana Rosas
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: ProcessionBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: Wolcum Yole!Benjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Bryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: There Is No RoseBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: That Yongë ChildBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: BalulalowBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: As Dew in AprilleBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: This Little BabeBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: InterludeBenjamin Britten, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: In Freezing Winter NightBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: Spring CarolBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: Deo GraciasBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert Orchestra
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: RecessionBenjamin Britten, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Sally Pryce, David Temple, BBC Concert 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.
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Benjamin Britten
