Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of choral music with Richard Rodney Bennett's "Sea Change: The Choral Music of Richard Rodney Bennett." Released on March 1, 2013, under the Collegium label, this album is a testament to Bennett's exceptional compositional prowess and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, the album is a rich tapestry of sacred and secular works that showcase Bennett's versatility and depth.
The album opens with the four-part "Sea Change," a series of choral pieces that draw inspiration from Shakespeare's "The Tempest." Each movement, from "The Isle Is Full of Noises" to "Full Fathom Five," is a masterclass in choral writing, with intricate harmonies and lush textures that create a sense of otherworldly beauty. Following this is "A Farewell to Arms," a poignant setting of Ernest Hemingway's famous novel, and "A Good-Night," a tender lullaby that showcases Bennett's ability to write music that is both intimate and universal.
The second half of the album is dedicated to sacred music, beginning with the "Missa Brevis," a concise yet powerful setting of the Latin Mass text. The four movements, "Kyrie," "Gloria," "Sanctus," and "Agnus Dei," are each distinct in character, yet they come together to form a cohesive whole. The album concludes with a selection of carols and other sacred works, including the hauntingly beautiful "What Sweeter Music" and the joyous "Puer nobis."
Throughout the album, Bennett's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and sensitive use of text. Whether he is setting Shakespeare, Hemingway, or sacred texts, Bennett's music has a timeless quality that transcends the boundaries of time and place. "Sea Change: The Choral Music of Richard Rodney Bennett" is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the art of choral singing and the power of music to move the soul.
2013 Collegium2013 Collegium
Tracks
Sea Change: I. The Isle Is Full of NoisesRichard Rodney Bennett, The Cambridge Singers, Charles Fullbrook, John Rutter
Sea Change: II. The BermudasRichard Rodney Bennett, Simon Wall, Sam Evans, The Cambridge Singers, Charles Fullbrook, John Rutter
Sea Change: III. The Waves Come RollingRichard Rodney Bennett, The Cambridge Singers, Charles Fullbrook, John Rutter
Sea Change: IV. Full Fathom FiveRichard Rodney Bennett, The Cambridge Singers, Charles Fullbrook, John Rutter
A Farewell to ArmsRichard Rodney Bennett, The Cambridge Singers, Sue Dorey, John Rutter
A Good-NightRichard Rodney Bennett, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
VersesRichard Rodney Bennett, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Missa Brevis: I. KyrieRichard Rodney Bennett, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Missa Brevis: II. GloriaRichard Rodney Bennett, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Missa Brevis: III. SanctusRichard Rodney Bennett, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Missa Brevis: IV. Agnus DeiRichard Rodney Bennett, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
5 Carols: No. 1, There Is No RoseRichard Rodney Bennett, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
5 Carols: No. 2, Out of Your SleepRichard Rodney Bennett, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
5 Carols: No. 3, That Younge ChildRichard Rodney Bennett, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
5 Carols: No. 4, Sweet was the SongRichard Rodney Bennett, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
5 Carols: No. 5, SusanniRichard Rodney Bennett, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Lullay Mine LikingRichard Rodney Bennett, Elin Manahan Thomas, Clare Wilkinson, Ben Breakwell, Sam Evans, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
What Sweeter MusicRichard Rodney Bennett, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Puer nobisRichard Rodney Bennett, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Vinylscout