Immerse yourself in the sacred and uplifting choral works of Benjamin Britten with this compelling collection, released on May 2, 2000, by Naxos. Spanning a little over an hour and thirteen minutes, this album is a testament to Britten's mastery of classical and choral composition, blending elements of neoclassical and opera into a rich, spiritual tapestry.
The centerpiece of the album is Britten's "Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30," a joyous and exuberant cantata based on a poem by Christopher Smart. This work is a celebration of divine love and the beauty of creation, featuring intricate choral writing and a sense of boundless energy. The album also includes Britten's "Missa Brevis, Op. 63," a concise yet profound setting of the Latin Mass, showcasing the composer's ability to convey deep spiritual meaning with economical means.
Other highlights include the luminous "Hymn to St. Cecilia," a tribute to the patron saint of music, and the triumphant "Festival Te Deum, Op. 32," a grand choral work that exudes jubilation and praise. The album also features Britten's "Jubilate Deo" and "Te Deum in C," both of which are powerful expressions of joy and devotion.
Throughout the album, Britten's distinctive voice shines through, characterized by its clarity, precision, and emotional resonance. Whether you're a longtime fan of Britten's music or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience, showcasing the composer's unique ability to blend sacred texts with contemporary musical language.
2000 Naxos2000 Naxos
Tracks
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: Rejoice in God, O ye TonguesBenjamin Britten, Benedict Giles, Malcolm Green, Simon Wall, Thomas Williams, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: For I will consider my Cat JeoffreyBenjamin Britten, Benedict Giles, Malcolm Green, Simon Wall, Thomas Williams, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: For the Mouse is a creature of great personal valourBenjamin Britten, Benedict Giles, Malcolm Green, Simon Wall, Thomas Williams, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: For the flowers are great blessingsBenjamin Britten, Benedict Giles, Malcolm Green, Simon Wall, Thomas Williams, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: For I am under the same accusation with my SaviourBenjamin Britten, Benedict Giles, Malcolm Green, Simon Wall, Thomas Williams, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: For H is a spirit and therefore he is GodBenjamin Britten, Benedict Giles, Malcolm Green, Simon Wall, Thomas Williams, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: For the instruments are by their rhimesBenjamin Britten, Benedict Giles, Malcolm Green, Simon Wall, Thomas Williams, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: Hallelujah from the heart of GodBenjamin Britten, Benedict Giles, Malcolm Green, Simon Wall, Thomas Williams, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Te Deum in CBenjamin Britten, William Goldring, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Jubilate DeoBenjamin Britten, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Iain Farrington, Christopher Robinson
Antiphon, Op. 56bBenjamin Britten, Benedict Giles, Joseph Helps, Oliver Lepage-Dean, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
A Hymn to the VirginBenjamin Britten, Christopher de la Hoyde, William Goldring, Reuben Thomas, Simon Wall, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Festival Te Deum, Op. 32Benjamin Britten, Benedict Giles, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Missa brevis, Op. 63: KyrieBenjamin Britten, Benedict Giles, William Goldring, Edward Minton, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Missa brevis, Op. 63: GloriaBenjamin Britten, Benedict Giles, William Goldring, Edward Minton, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Missa brevis, Op. 63: SanctusBenjamin Britten, Benedict Giles, William Goldring, Edward Minton, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Missa brevis, Op. 63: BenedictusBenjamin Britten, Benedict Giles, William Goldring, Edward Minton, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Missa brevis, Op. 63: Agnus DeiBenjamin Britten, Benedict Giles, William Goldring, Edward Minton, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Hymn to St. Peter, Op. 56aBenjamin Britten, William Goldring, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
A Hymn of St. ColumbaBenjamin Britten, Iain Farrington, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
Prelude and Fugue on a Theme of VittoriaBenjamin Britten, Iain Farrington
Hymn to St. Cecilia, Op. 27Benjamin Britten, Jonathan Bungard, Benedict Giles, Ben Harrison, Richard Moore, Reuben Thomas, Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, Christopher Robinson
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