Owen Wingrave, Op. 85 / Act 1: "You've got your maps there?"Benjamin Britten, John Shirley-Quirk, Nigel Douglas, Benjamin Luxon, English Chamber Orchestra
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85 / Act 1: "At last it's out"Benjamin Britten, Benjamin Luxon, Sylvia Fisher, John Shirley-Quirk, English Chamber Orchestra
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85 / Act 1: "Your Sherry, Mrs. Coyle"Benjamin Britten, Nigel Douglas, Heather Harper, John Shirley-Quirk, Benjamin Luxon, English Chamber Orchestra
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85 / Act 1: "Oh, How Unforeseen"Benjamin Britten, Jennifer Vyvyan, Janet Baker, Sylvia Fisher, Benjamin Luxon, English Chamber Orchestra
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85 / Act 1: "Sirrah! How dare you!"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Janet Baker, Jennifer Vyvyan, Sylvia Fisher, English Chamber Orchestra
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85 / Act 1: "Coyle, I wish I had not come"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, John Shirley-Quirk, Benjamin Luxon, Nigel Douglas, English Chamber Orchestra
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85 / Act 1: "May God bless the Queen"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Heather Harper, Sylvia Fisher, Janet Baker, Nigel Douglas, John Shirley-Quirk, Benjamin Luxon, Jennifer Vyvyan, English Chamber Orchestra
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85 / Act 2: "There was a boy, a Wingrave born"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Benjamin Luxon, John Shirley-Quirk, Wandsworth School Boys Choir, English Chamber Orchestra
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85 / Act 2: "I envy you, this fine old house"Benjamin Britten, Nigel Douglas, Jennifer Vyvyan, Heather Harper, John Shirley-Quirk, Sylvia Fisher, Benjamin Luxon, Janet Baker, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85 / Act 2: "Paramore shall welcome Woe!"Benjamin Britten, John Shirley-Quirk, Sir Peter Pears, Sylvia Fisher, Janet Baker, Nigel Douglas, Benjamin Luxon, Jennifer Vyvyan, Heather Harper, English Chamber Orchestra
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85 / Act 2: "And with his friend young Lechmere played"Benjamin Britten, Benjamin Luxon, Sylvia Fisher, Heather Harper, John Shirley-Quirk, English Chamber Orchestra
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85 / Act 2: "Now you may save your scornful looks"Benjamin Britten, Benjamin Luxon, English Chamber Orchestra
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85 / Act 2: "Ah, Owen, what shall I do?"Benjamin Britten, Janet Baker, Benjamin Luxon, Nigel Douglas, English Chamber Orchestra
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85 / Act 2: "Is that you, Coyle?"Benjamin Britten, Heather Harper, John Shirley-Quirk, English Chamber Orchestra
Owen Wingrave, Op. 85 / Act 2: "Come in...It's me, Lechmere"Benjamin Britten, John Shirley-Quirk, Nigel Douglas, Heather Harper, Janet Baker, Jennifer Vyvyan, Sylvia Fisher, Sir Peter Pears, Wandsworth School Boys Choir, English Chamber Orchestra
6 Hölderlin Fragments, Op. 61: 1. MenschenbeifallBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
6 Hölderlin Fragments, Op. 61: 2. Die HeimatBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
6 Hölderlin Fragments, Op. 61: 3. Sokrates und AlcibiadesBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
6 Hölderlin Fragments, Op. 61: 4. Die JugendBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
6 Hölderlin Fragments, Op. 61: 5. Hälfte des LebensBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
6 Hölderlin Fragments, Op. 61: 6. Die Linien des LebensBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Benjamin Britten's 1971 album, "Britten: Owen Wingrave; 6 Hölderlin Fragments; The Poet's Echo," is a captivating exploration of his diverse musical genius. This two-hour and thirteen-minute collection showcases Britten's mastery across various genres, including opera, choral, and neoclassical compositions.
The centerpiece of the album is the opera "Owen Wingrave," a television opera that premiered in 1971. This anti-war piece is a compelling narrative that delves into themes of pacifism and the complexities of family and societal expectations. The opera is presented in its entirety, offering a comprehensive experience of Britten's dramatic and musical storytelling.
Complementing the opera are the "6 Hölderlin Fragments," a song cycle based on the poetry of Friedrich Hölderlin. Performed by Britten's partner, tenor Peter Pears, these fragments are a testament to Britten's ability to translate poetic beauty into musical elegance. The cycle includes six songs, each offering a unique interpretation of Hölderlin's profound verses.
The album concludes with "The Poet's Echo," another song cycle that showcases Britten's skill in setting poetry to music. This collection features six songs, each a reflection of the poet's inner world and emotional landscape.
Throughout the album, Britten's compositional prowess is evident, from the intricate orchestration of the opera to the delicate piano accompaniments of the song cycles. The performances are equally impressive, with Pears delivering a nuanced and powerful vocal performance, and Britten himself providing piano accompaniment on the Hölderlin Fragments.
This album is not just a collection of Britten's works but a journey through his artistic evolution, highlighting his versatility and depth as a composer. Whether you are a longtime fan of Britten or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Vinylscout
