Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 1: "Eight Years Have Passed" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 1: "Yet Not All Reached Their Homes" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Alison Hagley, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 1: "Worse Still, the Island" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 1: "Children Have Died of Want" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 1: "Yet Some Trust in an End" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 1: "Your Prayer Is Answered, Penelope" (Athene, Hermes)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Alison Hagley, Janet Baker, John Mark Ainsley, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 1: "Long Suffering Odysseus" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 1: "Listen, the Voices of the Gods" (Athene, Artemis, Hermis, Apollo)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Janet Baker, John Mark Ainsley, William Dazeley, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 2: "I, Athene, Rise to the Edge of Night" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 2: "When I See the Sorrow of Mortal Odysseus" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 2: "How Loud the Spring Sounds All of a Sudden" (Athene, Hermes)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Alison Hagley, Janet Baker, John Mark Ainsley, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 2: "Bold! Telemachus, Watch the Shadow on the Wall" (Hermes, Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, John Mark Ainsley, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 2: "There It Is Before You" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 2: "Listen, Lords of Ithaca" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 2: "Telemachus, Be Swift!" (Athene)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Alison Hagley, Janet Baker, Hallé
Britten: The Rescue of Penelope, Pt. 2: "Now There Is Silence" (Athene, Hermes, Artemis, Apollo)Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Alison Hagley, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Janet Baker, John Mark Ainsley, William Dazeley, Hallé
Britten: Phaedra, Op. 93: I. Prologue. "In May, in Brilliant Athens"Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Lorraine Hunt, Hallé
Britten: Phaedra, Op. 93: II. Recitative. "My Lost and Dazzled Eyes"Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Lorraine Hunt, Hallé
Britten: Phaedra, Op. 93: III. Presto. "You Monster!"Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Lorraine Hunt, Hallé
Britten: Phaedra, Op. 93: IV. Recitative. "O Gods of Wrath"Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Lorraine Hunt, Hallé
Britten: Phaedra, Op. 93: IV. Adagio. "My Time's Too Short"Benjamin Britten, Kent Nagano, Lorraine Hunt, Hallé
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Benjamin Britten's "The Rescue of Penelope & Phaedra," a compelling collection of choral and operatic works that showcase the composer's mastery of neoclassical and classical styles. Released in 1996 under Warner Classics International, this album is a testament to Britten's enduring legacy in the realm of classical music.
The album is divided into two main sections, beginning with "The Rescue of Penelope," a dramatic cantata that narrates the mythical tale of Odysseus' return to Ithaca. Britten's intricate compositions bring to life the voices of the gods, including Athene, Hermes, Artemis, and Apollo, as they guide and protect the long-suffering Penelope. The second part of the album features "Phaedra," an intense and powerful opera that delves into the tragic story of Phaedra, the wife of Theseus, and her doomed infatuation with her stepson Hippolytus.
Performed by the esteemed Hallé Orchestra under the direction of Kent Nagano, this album is a symphony of rich, evocative sounds that transport the listener to the heart of ancient Greek mythology. The choral arrangements are particularly noteworthy, with the voices of the choir blending seamlessly with the orchestral elements to create a harmonious and immersive experience.
With a duration of just over 51 minutes, "The Rescue of Penelope & Phaedra" is a concise yet profound exploration of Britten's musical genius. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a captivating journey through some of Britten's most compelling works. Don't miss the opportunity to add this timeless masterpiece to your 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.
Vinylscout
Benjamin Britten
