Dive into the enchanting world of Benjamin Britten's vocal artistry with "Britten: Song Cycles," a captivating collection of song cycles that showcase the composer's mastery of the genre. Released on November 10, 2014, this album features a selection of Britten's most evocative works, performed by some of the most renowned artists of their time.
The album opens with "Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22," a profound exploration of love and longing set to the words of the great Renaissance poet. Each sonnet is brought to life with delicate piano accompaniment, highlighting Britten's sensitivity to both text and melody. Following this, the "Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31" offers a rich tapestry of moods and atmospheres, from the playful "Pastorale" to the haunting "Nocturne," with the horn and strings providing a lush backdrop to the tenor's expressive vocals.
The album concludes with "Winter Words, Op. 52," a cycle inspired by the poetry of Thomas Hardy. These songs capture the stark beauty and melancholy of winter, with Britten's music perfectly complementing Hardy's evocative imagery. The performances are nothing short of stellar, with Peter Pears' tenor soaring above the sensitive piano playing of Benjamin Britten himself, and the New Symphony Orchestra of London providing sumptuous orchestral support under the baton of Eugene Goossens.
"Britten: Song Cycles" is a testament to Benjamin Britten's genius as a composer and his deep understanding of the human voice. Whether you're a longtime fan of Britten's music or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. With a total duration of 1 hour and 3 minutes, it's an album that invites repeated listening, revealing new depths and nuances with each play. The album is a beautiful blend of classical, requiem, opera, neoclassical, and choral genres, making it a versatile addition to any music collection.
(C) 2014 Heritage Records
Tracks
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: I. Sonetto XVI - Sì come nella penna e nell' inchiostroBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: II. Sonetto XXXI - A che più debb'io mai l'intensa vogliaBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: III. Sonetto XXX - Veggio co' bei vostri occhi un dolce lumeBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: IV. Sonetto LV - Tu sa' ch'io so, signor mie, che tu saiBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: V. Sonetto XXXVIII - Rendete a gli occhi mieiBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: VI. Sonetto XXXII - S'un casto amor, s'una pietà supernaBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: VII. Sonetto XXIV - Spirto ben nato, in cui si specchia e vedeBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: I. PrologueBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: II. PastoraleBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: III. NocturneBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: IV. ElegyBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: V. DirgeBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: VI. HymnBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: VII. SonnetBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31: VIII. EpilogueBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Eugene Goossens, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: I. At Day-Close in NovemberBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: II. Midnight on the Great Western 'The Journeying Boy'Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: III. Wagtail and Baby 'A Satire'Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: IV. The Little Old TableBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: V. The Choirmaster's Burial 'The Tenor Man's Story'Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: VI. Proud Songsters 'Thrushes, Finches and Nightingales'Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: VII. At the Railway Station, Upway 'The Convict and the Boy with the Violin'Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Winter Words, Op. 52: VIII. Before Life and AfterBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
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