Les illuminations, Op. 18: I. FanfareBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: II. VillesBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: IIIa. PhraseBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: IIIb. AntiqueBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: IV. RoyautéBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: V. MarineBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: VI. InterludeBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: VII. Being BeauteousBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: VIII. ParadeBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Les illuminations, Op. 18: IX. DépartBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
3 Songs for "Les illuminations" (Orch. C. Matthews): I. PhraseBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
3 Songs for "Les illuminations" (Orch. C. Matthews): II. AubeBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
3 Songs for "Les illuminations" (Orch. C. Matthews): III. À une raisonBenjamin Britten, Sandrine Piau, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Rondo concertante (Completed by C. Matthews): I. Allegro moltoBenjamin Britten, Rolf Hind, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Rondo concertante (Completed by C. Matthews): II. LentoBenjamin Britten, Rolf Hind, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
In Memoriam Dennis Brain (Completed by C. Matthews): I. IntroductionBenjamin Britten, Michael Thompson, Richard Watkins, Peter Francomb, Chris Griffiths, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
In Memoriam Dennis Brain (Completed by C. Matthews): II. AllegroBenjamin Britten, Michael Thompson, Richard Watkins, Peter Francomb, Chris Griffiths, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Untitled FragmentBenjamin Britten, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Variations for Piano (1965): I. Like an ImprovisationBenjamin Britten, Rolf Hind
Variations for Piano (1965): II. —Benjamin Britten, Rolf Hind
Variations for Piano (1965): III. Quick & LightBenjamin Britten, Rolf Hind
Variations for Piano (1965): IV. —Benjamin Britten, Rolf Hind
Variations for Piano (1965): V. QuietlyBenjamin Britten, Rolf Hind
Variations for Piano (1965): VI. QuickBenjamin Britten, Rolf Hind
Movements for a Clarinet Concerto: I. Molto allegro (Completed by C. Matthews)Benjamin Britten, Michael Collins, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Movements for a Clarinet Concerto: II. Vivace (After "Mazurka elegiaca") [Arr. C. Matthews]Benjamin Britten, Michael Collins, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Movements for a Clarinet Concerto: III. Passacaglia (After Fragment of "Sonata for Orchestra") [Arr. C. Matthews]Benjamin Britten, Michael Collins, Northern Sinfonia, Thomas Zehetmair
Dive into the enchanting world of Benjamin Britten with this captivating collection of his lesser-known works, titled "Unknown Britten." Released on July 1, 2015, via NMC Recordings, this album offers a unique opportunity to explore the depth and breadth of Britten's musical genius beyond his most famous compositions. Spanning a variety of genres including classical, neoclassical, opera, and choral, this album is a treasure trove for both seasoned fans and newcomers to Britten's music.
The album features a diverse range of pieces, from the evocative "Les illuminations, Op. 18" to the hauntingly beautiful "In Memoriam Dennis Brain," completed by Colin Matthews. Each track showcases Britten's mastery of composition and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music. The "Variations for Piano (1965)" and "Movements for a Clarinet Concerto" are particularly noteworthy, offering a glimpse into Britten's experimental side and his innovative approach to musical form.
At just over an hour and seventeen minutes, "Unknown Britten" is a compact yet comprehensive exploration of Britten's lesser-known works. Whether you're a fan of classical music, opera, or neoclassical compositions, this album is sure to delight and inspire. So, sit back, relax, and let the enchanting melodies of Benjamin Britten transport you to a world of musical wonder.
2015 NMC Recordings2015 (P) NMC Recordings
About Benjamin Britten
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
