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
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.
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.
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Benjamin Britten
