Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting landscapes of English classical music with celebrated tenor Mark Padmore and the Britten Sinfonia. This exquisite album, released on May 15, 2012, under the harmonia mundi label, presents a collection of works that showcase the profound beauty and emotional depth of Britten's and Finzi's compositions.
The centerpiece of the album is Benjamin Britten's Serenade for tenor, horn, and strings, Op. 31, a masterful work that seamlessly blends the rich, expressive voice of Mark Padmore with the lush, evocative sounds of the Britten Sinfonia. The Serenade is a journey in itself, with each movement painting a vivid picture, from the pastoral serenity of "Pastoral" to the haunting melancholy of "Elegy" and the triumphant "Hymn."
Complementing the Serenade is Britten's Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments, and strings, Op. 60. This nocturnal exploration is a testament to Britten's ability to capture the essence of poetry through music, with each movement inspired by the works of renowned poets.
The album concludes with Gerald Finzi's Dies Natalis, Op. 8, a deeply personal and introspective work that Finzi composed to commemorate his mother's life. Mark Padmore's tender and nuanced interpretation brings a poignant sensitivity to this heartfelt composition.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of musical delights that will captivate and enchant classical music enthusiasts. Whether you're a longtime fan of Mark Padmore or a newcomer to the world of English classical music, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
2012 harmonia mundi usa2012 harmonia mundi usa
Tracks
Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: I. PrologueBenjamin Britten, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Bell
Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: II. PastoralBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: III. NocturneBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: IV. ElegyBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: V. DirgeBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: VI. HymnBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: VII. SonnetBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: VIII. EpilogueBenjamin Britten, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Bell
Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: I. On a poet’s lips I sleptBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: II. Below the thunders of the upper deepBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: III. Encinctured with a twine of leavesBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: IV. Midnight’s bell goes ting, ting, tingBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: V. But that night when on my bed I layBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: VI. She sleeps on soft, last breathsBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: VII. What is more gentle than a wind in summer?Benjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Joy Farrall, Britten Sinfonia
Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: VIII. When most I wink, then do mine eyes best seeBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Dies Natalis, Op.8: Dies Natalis, Op.8: I. IntradaGerald Finzi, Britten Sinfonia
Dies Natalis, Op.8: Dies Natalis, Op.8: II. Rhapsody: Recitativo stromentatoGerald Finzi, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Dies Natalis, Op.8: Dies Natalis, Op.8: III. The Rapture: DanzaGerald Finzi, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Dies Natalis, Op.8: Dies Natalis, Op.8: IV. Wonder: AriosoGerald Finzi, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Dies Natalis, Op.8: Dies Natalis, Op.8: V. The Salutation: AriaGerald Finzi, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
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