Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Benjamin Britten's choral masterpieces with the album "Britten: St Nicolas & Hymn to St Cecilia." Released on February 10, 1989, under the Hyperion label, this classical gem showcases Britten's extraordinary compositional prowess, blending elements of requiem, opera, and neoclassical styles into a cohesive and compelling musical journey.
The album features the complete performance of Britten's "Saint Nicolas," a nine-movement cantata that narrates the life of Saint Nicholas, from his birth to his death, through a series of vivid and evocative musical scenes. The work is brought to life by the Corydon Singers, the English Chamber Orchestra, and a stellar cast of soloists, including tenor Anthony Rolfe Johnson and treble Harry Briggs. The choral writing is rich and varied, with Britten employing a wide range of vocal techniques to depict the story's dramatic and emotional nuances.
Complementing "Saint Nicolas" is the "Hymn to St Cecilia," a three-movement choral work set to poems by Edmund Blunden, Robert Bridges, and William Byrd. This piece is performed by the Corydon Singers, showcasing their exceptional skill and versatility in unaccompanied choral singing. The Hymn to St Cecilia is a testament to Britten's ability to create deeply moving and spiritually resonant music.
With a total runtime of approximately one hour, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience, showcasing Britten's unique voice and his profound understanding of choral writing. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, "Britten: St Nicolas & Hymn to St Cecilia" is sure to captivate and inspire.
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: I. IntroductionBenjamin Britten, English Chamber Orchestra, Matthew Best, Corydon Singers, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, John Scott
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: II. The Birth of NicolasBenjamin Britten, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, English Chamber Orchestra, Harry Briggs, John Scott, Matthew Best, The Choir of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: III. Nicolas Devotes Himself to GodBenjamin Britten, Matthew Best, English Chamber Orchestra, Anthony Rolfe Johnson
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: IV. He Journeys to PalestineBenjamin Britten, Matthew Best, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, English Chamber Orchestra, Girls of Warwick University Chamber Choir, Corydon Singers
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: V. Nicolas Comes to Myra and Is Chosen BishopBenjamin Britten, Girls of Warwick University Chamber Choir, John Scott, Matthew Best, The Choir of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Penshurst Choral Society, English Chamber Orchestra, Choir of Tonbridge School, Corydon Singers, Choir of Sevenoaks School, Choir of Christ Church, Southgate, Anthony Rolfe Johnson
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: VI. Nicolas from PrisonBenjamin Britten, English Chamber Orchestra, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Matthew Best
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: VII. Nicolas and the Pickled BoysBenjamin Britten, Girls of Warwick University Chamber Choir, Matthew Best, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, John Scott, English Chamber Orchestra, Corydon Singers, The Choir of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: VIII. His Piety and Marvellous WorksBenjamin Britten, English Chamber Orchestra, Corydon Singers, Matthew Best
Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: IX. The Death of NicolasBenjamin Britten, Choir of Tonbridge School, Corydon Singers, English Chamber Orchestra, Girls of Warwick University Chamber Choir, John Scott, Matthew Best, Penshurst Choral Society, The Choir of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Choir of Christ Church, Southgate, Choir of Sevenoaks School
Hymn to St Cecilia, Op. 27Benjamin Britten, Matthew Best, Corydon Singers
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