Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Benjamin Britten's choral masterpieces with this exquisite album, released by King's College Cambridge. This recording commemorates the centennial of Britten's birth, offering a profound exploration of his musical genius. The centerpiece is Britten's "Saint Nicolas," a captivating oratorio that narrates the life of Saint Nicholas through nine evocative movements. The album also includes the enchanting "Hymn to Saint Cecilia," a tribute to the patron saint of music, and the ecstatic "Rejoice in the Lamb," a joyous celebration of faith and spirituality.
Under the skilled direction of conductor Stephen Cleobury, The Choir of King's College, Cambridge delivers a performance of unparalleled precision and emotional depth. Soloist Andrew Kennedy's powerful vocals add a layer of richness to the choral tapestry, bringing Britten's compositions to life with vivid clarity. The album's duration of approximately 76 minutes ensures a comprehensive and immersive experience, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Britten's work or a newcomer to his music, this album promises a rewarding and uplifting listening experience.
Saint Nicolas: I. IntroductionBenjamin Britten, Britten Sinfonia, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Andrew Kennedy, Stephen Cleobury
Saint Nicolas: II. The Birth of NicolasBenjamin Britten, Britten Sinfonia, Andrew Kennedy, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Saint Nicolas: III. Nicolas devotes himself to GodBenjamin Britten, Britten Sinfonia, Andrew Kennedy, Stephen Cleobury
Saint Nicolas: IV. He journeys to PalestineBenjamin Britten, Britten Sinfonia, Sawston Village College Choir, Stephen Cleobury, Andrew Kennedy, Sawston Village College Ensemble, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Saint Nicolas: V. Nicolas comes to Myra and is chosen BishopBenjamin Britten, Britten Sinfonia, Cambridge University Musical Society Chorus, Andrew Kennedy, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Saint Nicolas: VI. Nicolas from PrisonBenjamin Britten, Britten Sinfonia, Andrew Kennedy, Stephen Cleobury
Saint Nicolas: VII. Nicolas and the Pickled BoysBenjamin Britten, Britten Sinfonia, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury, Sawston Village College Ensemble, Andrew Kennedy, Sawston Village College Choir
Saint Nicolas: VIII. His piety and marvellous worksBenjamin Britten, Britten Sinfonia, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Sawston Village College Choir, Stephen Cleobury, Sawston Village College Ensemble
Saint Nicolas: IX. The Death of NicolasBenjamin Britten, Britten Sinfonia, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Cambridge University Musical Society Chorus, Andrew Kennedy, Stephen Cleobury
Hymn to Saint CeciliaBenjamin Britten, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Rejoice in the LambBenjamin Britten, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Ben-San Lau, Stephen Cleobury