Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Benjamin Britten's "The Rape of Lucretia; Phaedra," a two-disc masterpiece released in 1990 by Decca Music Group Ltd. This album is a profound exploration of Britten's operatic genius, blending classical, choral, and neoclassical elements to create a hauntingly beautiful experience.
The album features two of Britten's most compelling works: "The Rape of Lucretia," an opera in two acts, and "Phaedra," a one-act opera. "The Rape of Lucretia," composed in 1947, is a powerful retelling of the ancient Roman legend, set to a libretto by Ronald Duncan. The opera delves into themes of power, violence, and redemption, with Britten's evocative music bringing the dramatic narrative to life. The second disc presents "Phaedra," a 1974 opera based on Seneca's play, which explores the tragic story of Phaedra, the wife of Theseus, and her ill-fated passion for her stepson Hippolytus.
Performances on this album are led by the renowned English Chamber Orchestra and conducted by Steuart Bedford, with a stellar cast including Janet Baker, Peter Pears, and Joan Cross. The album's duration of 2 hours and 3 minutes offers a rich and immersive journey through Britten's musical landscape, showcasing his unique ability to convey deep emotional and psychological depths.
Whether you are a longtime fan of Benjamin Britten or a newcomer to his work, this album is a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of classical and operatic music. The meticulous attention to detail in the performances and the profound storytelling make "The Rape of Lucretia; Phaedra" a standout addition to any music collection.
Phaedra, Op. 93: In May, In Brilliant AthensBenjamin Britten, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Steuart Bedford
Phaedra, Op. 93: Oh Gods Of WrathBenjamin Britten, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Steuart Bedford
Phaedra, Op. 93: My Time's Too Short, Your HighnessBenjamin Britten, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Steuart Bedford
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Rome Is Now Ruled By the Etruscan Upstart"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "It Is An Axiom Among Kings"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Here the Thirsty Evening"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Who Reaches Heaven First"Benjamin Britten, John Shirley-Quirk, Bryan Drake, Benjamin Luxon, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Maria Was Unmasked At a Masked Ball"Benjamin Britten, Bryan Drake, John Shirley-Quirk, Benjamin Luxon, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Collatinus Is Politically Astute"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Bryan Drake, John Shirley-Quirk, Benjamin Luxon, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "There Goes a Happy Man!"Benjamin Britten, Benjamin Luxon, Bryan Drake, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Tarquinius Does Not Dare"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "My Horse! My Horse! Tarquinius Does Not Wait"Benjamin Britten, Benjamin Luxon, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Their Spinning-Wheel Unwinds"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Janet Baker, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Listen! I Heard a Knock"Benjamin Britten, Janet Baker, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "Time Treads Upon the Hands Of Women"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Janet Baker, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 1: "The Oatmeal Slippers Of Sleep"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, Benjamin Luxon, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "The Prosperity Of the Etruscans"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, John Shirley-Quirk, Jenny Hill, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Bryan Drake, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "She Sleeps As a Rose"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Within This Frail Crucible Of Light"Benjamin Britten, Benjamin Luxon, Heather Harper, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Lucretia!...What Do You Want?"Benjamin Britten, Benjamin Luxon, Janet Baker, Sir Peter Pears, Heather Harper, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: Interlude: "Here In This Scene"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Oh! What a Lovely Day!"Benjamin Britten, Jenny Hill, Elizabeth Bainbridge, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "We'll Leave the Orchids For Lucretia"Benjamin Britten, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Flowers Bring To Every Year"Benjamin Britten, Janet Baker, Elizabeth Bainbridge, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "You Were Right"Benjamin Britten, Jenny Hill, Elizabeth Bainbridge, John Shirley-Quirk, Bryan Drake, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Lucretia! Lucretia!"Benjamin Britten, John Shirley-Quirk, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "Last Night Tarquinius Ravished Me"Benjamin Britten, Janet Baker, John Shirley-Quirk, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: "This Dead Hand Lets Fall"Benjamin Britten, John Shirley-Quirk, Bryan Drake, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Jenny Hill, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37 / Act 2: Epilogue: "Is It All?"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
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