Dive into the world of Benjamin Britten with Edward Gardner's latest album, a captivating collection of three compelling works performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Released on 20 June 2025, this album is a testament to Gardner's deep understanding and interpretation of Britten's music, marking his sixth release on the LPO Label.
The album opens with Britten's Sinfonia da Requiem, a powerful piece composed in 1939 amidst global turmoil. This live performance captures the essence of Britten's response to the impending war, offering a profound listening experience. Following this, the album presents Winter Words, a song cycle orchestrated by Robin Holloway, which brings to life Thomas Hardy's poetry with Britten's evocative music.
The final part of the album is dedicated to The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, a ballet score that showcases Britten's versatility and creativity. This world-first release features Gardner's own selections from the suite, providing a unique perspective on Britten's work.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes, this album is a journey through Britten's diverse musical landscape, from the choral and orchestral grandeur of the Sinfonia da Requiem to the intimate storytelling of Winter Words and the enchanting world of The Prince of the Pagodas. Produced by Nick Parker and Andrew Walton, the album is a celebration of Britten's enduring legacy and Gardner's exceptional conducting. Whether you're a long-time fan of Britten or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a fresh and engaging exploration of his work.
2025 London Philharmonic Orchestra2025 London Philharmonic Orchestra
Tracks
Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20: I. LacrymosaBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20: II. Dies IraeBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20: III. Requiem AeternamBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Winter Words, Op. 52 (Orch. Robin Holloway): I. At Day-close in NovemberBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicky Spence
Winter Words, Op. 52 (Orch. Robin Holloway): II. Midnight on the Great Western "The Journeying Boy"Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicky Spence
Winter Words, Op. 52 (Orch. Robin Holloway): III. Wagtail and Baby (A Satire)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicky Spence
Winter Words, Op. 52 (Orch. Robin Holloway): IV. The Little Old TableBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicky Spence
Winter Words, Op. 52 (Orch. Robin Holloway): V. The Choirmaster's Burial (or The Tenor Man's Story)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicky Spence
Winter Words, Op. 52 (Orch. Robin Holloway): VI. Proud Songsters (Thrushes, Finches and Nightingales)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicky Spence
Winter Words, Op. 52 (Orch. Robin Holloway): VII. At the Railway Station, Upway (The Convict and Boy with the Violin)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicky Spence
Winter Words, Op. 52 (Orch. Robin Holloway): VIII. Before Life and AfterBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicky Spence
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57: PreludeBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act I Scene 1 The Palace of the Emperor of the Middle Kingdom: The Fool and the DwarfBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act I Scene 1 The Palace of the Emperor of the Middle Kingdom: Variation of Princess Belle ÉpineBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act II Scene 1 The Strange Journey of Belle Rose to the Pagoda Land: IntroductionBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act II Scene 1 The Strange Journey of Belle Rose to the Pagoda Land: Waltz. Clouds, Stars and MoonBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act II Scene 1 The Strange Journey of Belle Rose to the Pagoda Land: Belle Rose borne in by the FrogsBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act II Scene 2 The Arrival and Adventures of Belle Rose in the Kingdom of the Pagodas: The PagodasBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act II Scene 2 The Arrival and Adventures of Belle Rose in the Kingdom of the Pagodas: The HuntBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act III Scene 1 The Palace of the Middle Kingdom: Pas de Deux. Belle Rose and the Prince of the PagodasBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act III Scene 1 The Palace of the Middle Kingdom: Finale and ApotheosisBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
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
