Immerse yourself in the rich, dramatic world of Edward Elgar's "Caractacus, Op. 35," a captivating cantata that showcases the composer's mastery of orchestral and choral writing. Released on Hyperion in March 2019, this album presents a powerful narrative set to music, inspired by the tragic tale of the British king Caractacus.
Composed in 1898, "Caractacus" is the final work in a series of choral compositions by Elgar from the 1890s. The cantata is divided into six scenes, each offering a unique blend of vocal and instrumental passages that bring the story to life. The album spans an impressive 96 minutes, providing a substantial journey through Elgar's evocative score.
Under the skilled direction of conductor Martyn Brabbins, the London Symphony Orchestra delivers a compelling performance, accompanied by a chorus and soloists who bring depth and emotion to the characters of Caractacus, Eigen, Orbin, and others. The album features a variety of musical styles, from triumphant choruses to tender solos and dramatic ensembles, all united by Elgar's distinctive compositional voice.
The libretto, penned by Harry Jones, complements Elgar's music beautifully, creating a cohesive and engaging narrative that listeners will find both moving and memorable. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, "Caractacus, Op. 35" offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience that highlights the enduring appeal of Elgar's work.
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 1, Watchmen, Alert! (Chorus) –Edward Elgar, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 2, Watchmen, Alert! the King Is Here (Caractacus/Sentries) –Edward Elgar, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Roland Wood, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 3, Father! Sire and King (Eigen/Caractacus/Orbin/Sentries) –Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Roland Wood
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 4, At Eve to the Greenwood (Eigen) –Edward Elgar, Elizabeth Llewellyn, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 5, On the Ocean and the River (Eigen/Orbin/Caractacus) –Edward Elgar, Roland Wood, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Elizabeth Llewellyn, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 1: No. 6, Rest, Weary Monarch (Spirits of the Hill)Edward Elgar, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 2: No. 1, Tread the Mystic Circle Round (Arch-Druid/Druids/Druid Maidens) –Edward Elgar, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Huddersfield Choral Society, Christopher Purves, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 2: No. 2, Invocation. Lord of Dread, and Lord of Pow'r (Chorus/Arch-Druid) –Edward Elgar, Martyn Brabbins, Christopher Purves, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 2: No. 3, Bard, What Read Ye? (Arch-Druid/Orbin/Caractacus/Druids/Druid Maidens) –Edward Elgar, Roland Wood, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Christopher Purves, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Huddersfield Choral Society
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 2: No. 4, Leap, Leap to Light (Caractacus/Soldiers/Orbin/Arch-Druid) –Edward Elgar, Roland Wood, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Christopher Purves
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 2: No. 5, Hence, Ere the Druid's Wrath Is Woke (Druids/Druid Maidens/Orbin/Soldiers)Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Huddersfield Choral Society
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 3: No. 1, Introduction. The Woodland InterludeEdward Elgar, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 3: No. 2, Come! Beneath Our Woodland Bow'rs (Youths/Maidens) –Edward Elgar, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 3: No. 3, O'er-arch'd by Leaves (Eigen/Orbin) –Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 3: No. 4, Last Night Beneath the Sacred Oak (Orbin) –Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 3: No. 5, Come! Beneath Our Woodland Bow'rs – They Gather the Wreaths (Youths/Maidens/Orbin/Eigen)Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 4: No. 1, Wild Rumours Shake Our Calm Retreat (Maidens) –Edward Elgar, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 4: No. 2, When the Glow of the Evening (Eigen/Maidens) –Edward Elgar, Elizabeth Llewellyn, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 4: No. 3, We Were Gather'd by the River (Soldiers) –Edward Elgar, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 4: No. 4, Lament. O My Warriors (Caractacus/Chorus)Edward Elgar, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins, Roland Wood
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 5: No. 5, Captive Britons, See Them! (A Bard/Druid Maidens) –Edward Elgar, Christopher Purves, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 1, Processional Music. The March Triumphal Thunders (Chorus)Edward Elgar, Martyn Brabbins, Huddersfield Choral Society, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 2, Unbind His Hands (Claudius) –Edward Elgar, Alastair Miles, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 3, Heap Torment upon Torment (Caractacus/Eigen/Orbin) –Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Elizabeth Llewellyn, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins, Roland Wood
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 4, Slay, Slay the Briton! (Roman Citizens/Claudius) –Edward Elgar, Alastair Miles, Huddersfield Choral Society, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 5, I Plead Not for Myself (Caractacus/Orbin/Eigen/Roman Citizens/Claudius) –Edward Elgar, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Alastair Miles, Roland Wood, Huddersfield Choral Society, Elizabeth Llewellyn, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Martyn Brabbins
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 6, Grace from the Roman! (Eigen/Orbin/Caractacus/Claudius) –Edward Elgar, Martyn Brabbins, Elizabeth Llewellyn, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Roland Wood, Alastair Miles
Caractacus, Op. 35, Scene 6: No. 7, The Clang of Arms Is Over (Chorus)Edward Elgar, Martyn Brabbins, The Orchestra Of Opera North, Huddersfield Choral Society
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