Dive into the enchanting world of choral masterpieces with Terry Edwards' "Britten & Messiaen - Choral Works," a captivating collection released in 2001 under the Warner Classics label. This album is a celebration of two of the 20th century's most influential composers, Benjamin Britten and Olivier Messiaen, brought to life by the exquisite performances of the St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, the London Sinfonietta Chorus, and the London Sinfonietta Voices.
Spanning nearly two hours, this album features 25 tracks that showcase the depth and breadth of Britten and Messiaen's choral compositions. From Britten's evocative "A Boy Was Born" to his stirring "Hymn to St. Cecilia," each piece is a testament to his mastery of choral writing. Messiaen's contributions, including selections from "Trois petites liturgies de la Présence Divine" and "Cinq Rechants," add a layer of spiritual and mystical depth to the album.
Terry Edwards, the renowned conductor and bass vocalist, leads the ensemble with precision and passion. His direction brings out the nuanced beauty of each composition, making this album a standout in the choral genre. The album also features notable soloists such as Jonathan Miller, Peter Hall, and Susan Bickley, whose voices add a rich tapestry of sound to the choral fabric.
Whether you're a fan of classical choral music or simply looking to explore the genre, "Britten & Messiaen - Choral Works" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The intricate harmonies, the powerful vocals, and the spiritual resonance of the pieces make this album a timeless addition to any music collection.
Britten: A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Theme. "A Boy Was Born"Benjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Britten: A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation I. Lullaby, JesuBenjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Britten: A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation II. HerodBenjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Britten: A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation III. Jesu, as Thou Art Our SaviourBenjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Britten: A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation IV. The Three KingsBenjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Britten: A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation V. In the Bleak Mid-WinterBenjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Britten: A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation VI. Noël!Benjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Britten: Hymn to St Cecilia, Op. 27Benjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, London Sinfonietta Voices
Britten: A.M.D.G. "Ad majorem Dei gloriam": I. Heaven-HavenBenjamin Britten, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Terry Edwards
Britten: A.M.D.G. "Ad Majorem Dei gloriam": II. O Deus, ego amo teBenjamin Britten, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Terry Edwards
Britten: A.M.D.G. "Ad majorem Dei gloriam": III. Rosa MysticaBenjamin Britten, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Terry Edwards
Britten: A.M.D.G. "Ad majorem Dei gloriam": IV. The SoldierBenjamin Britten, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Terry Edwards
Britten: A.M.D.G. "Ad majorem Dei gloriam": V. Prayer IIBenjamin Britten, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Terry Edwards
Britten: A.M.D.G. "Ad majorem Dei gloriam": VI. God's GrandeurBenjamin Britten, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Terry Edwards
Britten: A.M.D.G. "Ad majorem Dei gloriam": VII. Prayer IBenjamin Britten, London Sinfonietta Chorus, Terry Edwards
Britten: A Shepherd's CarolBenjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Trois petites liturgies de la Présence Divine: I. Antienne de la Conversation Intérieure (Dieu present en nous)Olivier Messiaen, Rolf Hind/Cynthia Miller/London Sinfonietta Chorus/London Sinfonietta Voices/London Sinfonietta/Terry Edwards, Terry Edwards, London Sinfonietta
Britten: A.M.D.G. "Ad majorem Dei gloriam": II. O Deus, ego amo teBenjamin Britten, Terry Edwards, London Sinfonietta Chorus
Trois petites liturgies de la Présence Divine: III. Psalmodie de l'Ubiquité par amour (Dieu present en toutes choses)Olivier Messiaen, Rolf Hind/Cynthia Miller/London Sinfonietta Chorus/London Sinfonietta Voices/London Sinfonietta/Terry Edwards, Terry Edwards, London Sinfonietta
Cinq Rechants: I. Les amoureux s'envolentOlivier Messiaen, London Sinfonietta Voices, Terry Edwards
Cinq Rechants: II. Ma première foisOlivier Messiaen, London Sinfonietta Voices, Terry Edwards
Cinq Rechants: III. Ma robe d'amourOlivier Messiaen, London Sinfonietta Voices, Terry Edwards
Cinq Rechants: IV. Mon bouquet tout défait rayonneOlivier Messiaen, London Sinfonietta Voices, Terry Edwards
Cinq Rechants: V. Tes yeux voyagentOlivier Messiaen, London Sinfonietta Voices, Terry Edwards
O Sacrum ConviviumOlivier Messiaen, London Sinfonietta Voices, Terry Edwards
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