Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Benjamin Britten with his exquisite collection of song cycles, now available on "Benjamin Britten: Song Cycles." This album, released on August 7, 2021, under Heritage Records, is a masterful blend of classical, requiem, opera, neoclassical, and choral genres, spanning a total of 72 minutes of enchanting music.
Britten's compositional prowess shines through in this album, which features a variety of song cycles that showcase his versatility and depth as a composer. From the dramatic intensity of "Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8" to the serene beauty of "On This Island, Op. 11," and the tender lullabies of "A Charm of Lullabies, Op. 41," each piece is a testament to Britten's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and atmospheres.
The album concludes with "Winter Words, Op. 52," a collection of songs that capture the essence of winter and the changing seasons. Each track is a masterclass in musical storytelling, with Britten's intricate compositions bringing the words to life in a way that is both poignant and profound.
Whether you're a longtime fan of Benjamin Britten or a newcomer to his music, "Benjamin Britten: Song Cycles" is an essential addition to any classical music collection. With its rich tapestry of sounds and emotions, this album is sure to captivate and inspire listeners for years to come.
(C) 2021 Heritage Records(P) 2021 Heritage Records
Tracks
Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8: I. PrologueBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, London Symphony Orchestra
Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8: II. Rats away!Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, London Symphony Orchestra
Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8: III. MessalinaBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, London Symphony Orchestra
Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8: IV. Hawing for the partridge (Dance of Death)Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, London Symphony Orchestra
Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8: V. EpilogueBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, London Symphony Orchestra
On This Island, Op. 11: I. Let the florid music praise!Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
On This Island, Op. 11: II. Now the leaves are falling fastBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
On This Island, Op. 11: III. Seascape (‘For Kit Welford’)Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
On This Island, Op. 11: IV. NocturneBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
On This Island, Op. 11: V. As it is plentyBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
A Charm of Lullabies, Op. 41: I. A Cradle SongBenjamin Britten, Helen Watts
A Charm of Lullabies, Op. 41: II. A Highland BalouBenjamin Britten, Helen Watts
A Charm of Lullabies, Op. 41: III. Sephestia's LullabyBenjamin Britten, Helen Watts
A Charm of Lullabies, Op. 41: IV. A CharmBenjamin Britten, Helen Watts
A Charm of Lullabies, Op. 41: V. The Nurse's SongBenjamin Britten, Helen Watts
Winter Words, Op. 52: I. At Day-Close in NovemberBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: II. Midnight on the Great Western (or, The Journeying Boy)Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: III. Wagtail and Baby (A Satire)Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: IV. The Little Old TableBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: V. The Choirmaster's Burial (or, The Tenor Man's Story)Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: VI. Proud Songsters (Thrushes, Finches and Nightingales)Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: VII. At the Railway Station, Upway (or, The Convict and Boy with the Violin)Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: VIII. Before Life and AfterBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears