Britten: The Five Canticles - Wigmore Hall Live - Benjamin Britten

Benjamin Britten's exquisite 'The Five Canticles - Wigmore Hall Live' is a masterful collection of musical works, showcasing the composer's profound ability to set songs and explore deeply religious implications. This album, released in 2013 to commemorate the centenary of Britten's birth, features five canticles written at various points in his career, including three that serve as memorials.

Recorded live at Wigmore Hall in London on 30 November 2012, this release brings together some of Britten's most poignant works, including 'Canticle I: My Beloved is Mine', 'Canticle II: Abraham and Isaac', 'Canticle III: Still Falls the Rain', 'Canticle IV: The Journey of the Magi', and 'Canticle V: The Death of Saint Narcissus'. With a total duration of 59 minutes, this classical music album is a testament to Britten's neoclassical and choral genius.

Featuring the captivating vocals of countertenor Iestyn Davies, 'The Five Canticles - Wigmore Hall Live' is a fitting tribute to Benjamin Britten's legacy. The album's release coincides with the 30th anniversary of the composer's passing, making it a poignant reminder of his enduring impact on the world of classical music. Released on the Wigmore Hall Live label, this album is an essential addition to any classical music collection, offering a unique glimpse into the works of one of the 20th century's most revered composers.

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.