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britten: christ's nativity; a boy was born & other choral works - benjamin britten

Britten: Christ's Nativity; A Boy Was Born & Other Choral Works

Benjamin Britten

1995
16 tracks
1 uur, 8 min
classical

Britten: Christ's Nativity; A Boy Was Born & Other Choral Works - Benjamin Britten

Album Details

Dive into the enchanting world of Benjamin Britten's choral masterpieces with this captivating collection of works centered around the Christmas season. Released in 1995, this album showcases Britten's extraordinary talent for choral composition, featuring a blend of early and later works that highlight his versatility and innovation.

The centerpiece of the album is "A Boy Was Born, Op. 3," a series of choral variations that demonstrate Britten's skill in handling both text and melody. Composed when Britten was just nineteen, this piece is a tour de force that showcases his ingenuity and mastery of choral writing. The variations are set for mixed voices and boys' choir, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is both festive and profound.

Also included is "Christ's Nativity," a fascinating work from Britten's student days, receiving its first recording here. This choral work, composed in five settings over different times starting from January 1931, offers a unique perspective on the nativity story, reflecting Britten's early compositional style and his deep connection to the Christmas season.

The album also features other notable works such as "A Hymn to the Virgin," composed in 1930 to an anonymous fourteenth-century text, and "A Shepherd's Carol," written in the 1940s after Britten's return from America. This piece reflects the influence of American popular music on Britten's style, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the collection.

Performed by the renowned Holst Singers under the direction of Stephen Layton, this recording brings together a selection of Britten’s choral music that celebrates the Christmas season in an extraordinarily diverse manner. The Holst Singers' precise and expressive performances, coupled with Britten's brilliant compositions, make this album a treasure for any classical music enthusiast.

With a duration of one hour and eight minutes, this album offers a comprehensive exploration of Benjamin Britten's choral works for Christmastide. Whether you are a longtime fan of Britten's music or a newcomer to his compositions, this album is sure to delight and inspire.

Tracks

A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Theme. A Boy Was BornBenjamin Britten, Stephen Layton, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, The Holst Singers
2:33
A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Var. 1. Lullay, JesuBenjamin Britten, Stephen Layton, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, The Holst Singers
5:01
A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Var. 2. HerodBenjamin Britten, Stephen Layton, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, The Holst Singers
2:26
A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Var. 3. Jesu as Thou art Our SaviourBenjamin Britten, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, Stephen Layton, Connor Burrowes, The Holst Singers
3:31
A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Var. 4. The Three KingsBenjamin Britten, Stephen Layton, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, The Holst Singers
3:13
A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Var. 5. In the Bleak Midwinter / Lully, LulleyBenjamin Britten, The Holst Singers, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, Stephen Layton
6:02
A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Var. 6. Finale. Noel!Benjamin Britten, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
9:49
A Hymn to the VirginBenjamin Britten, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
3:22
Christ's Nativity: I. Christ's NativityBenjamin Britten, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
2:27
Christ's Nativity: II. Sweet Was the SongBenjamin Britten, Stephen Layton, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, The Holst Singers
3:01
Christ's Nativity: III. PreparationsBenjamin Britten, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
3:37
Christ's Nativity: IV. New Prince, New PompBenjamin Britten, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton, Susan Gritton
5:33
Christ's Nativity: V. Carol of King CnutBenjamin Britten, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
2:21
A Shepherd's CarolBenjamin Britten, Andrew Davies, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
4:24
Jubilate Deo in CBenjamin Britten, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton, David Goode
2:34
Te Deum in CBenjamin Britten, David Goode, The Holst Singers, Louisa Keily, Stephen Layton
7:59

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About Benjamin Britten

Benjamin Britten, born on St. Cecilia's Day in 1913, was a titan of 20th-century British music, renowned for his profound contributions to opera, choral works, and orchestral compositions. As a child prodigy, Britten began composing at the age of five, and his musical genius blossomed throughout his life, making him a central figure in British classical music. His operas, such as the haunting "Peter Grimes," are celebrated as some of the finest in the English language since Henry Purcell. Britten's "War Requiem," a powerful anti-war piece, remains one of his most enduring works. Beyond his compositions, Britten was also an exceptional pianist and conductor, leaving an indelible mark on the musical world. His legacy continues to inspire, with his works performed and cherished by audiences worldwide.

Album Details

November 1, 1995

℗ 1995 Hyperion Records Limited

About Benjamin Britten

Britten: Christ's Nativity; A Boy Was Born & Other Choral Works

Album Details

Tracks

About Benjamin Britten

Britten: Christ's Nativity; A Boy Was Born & Other Choral Works

Album Details

Tracks

About Benjamin Britten

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