Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Benjamin Britten's "Britten: Music for Oboe; Piano Music," a captivating collection of classical masterpieces released on October 1, 1995, under the Hyperion label. This album is a testament to Britten's versatility and genius, spanning genres such as classical, requiem, opera, neoclassical, and choral, all within a concise yet rich duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes.
The album opens with "Phantasy," a piece that showcases the oboe's expressive range, followed by the intricate "Oboe Quartet, Op. 2." Britten's "Holiday Diary, Op. 5" takes you on a journey through various moods and scenes, from the serene "Early Morning Bath" to the lively "Fun-Fair" and the tranquil "Night." The "6 Metamorphoses After Ovid, Op. 49" is a highlight, each movement vividly depicting mythological tales with Britten's signature storytelling prowess.
The "Temporal Variations" offer a diverse exploration of themes and emotions, from the contemplative "Oration" to the energetic "March" and the reflective "Chorale." The "5 Waltzes" provide a delightful contrast, each with its unique character, from the nervous and quick to the dramatic and rhythmic. The album concludes with the whimsical "2 Insect Pieces" and the serene "Night Piece 'Notturno'."
Benjamin Britten's compositions are known for their technical brilliance and emotional depth, and this album is no exception. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "Britten: Music for Oboe; Piano Music" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Phantasy, Oboe Quartet, Op. 2Benjamin Britten, John Underwood, Jonathan Williams, Sarah Francis, Galina Solodchin
Holiday Diary, Op. 5: I. Early Morning BathBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
Holiday Diary, Op. 5: II. SailingBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
Holiday Diary, Op. 5: III. Fun-FairBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
Holiday Diary, Op. 5: IV. NightBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
6 Metamorphoses After Ovid, Op. 49: I. Pan, Who Played upon the Reed Pipe Which Was Syrinx, His BelovedBenjamin Britten, Sarah Francis
6 Metamorphoses After Ovid, Op. 49: II. Phaeton, Who Made upon the Chariot of the Sun for One Day and Was Hurled into the River Padus by a ThunderboltBenjamin Britten, Sarah Francis
6 Metamorphoses After Ovid, Op. 49: III. Niobe, Who, Lamenting the Death of Her 14 Children, Was Turned into a MountainBenjamin Britten, Sarah Francis
6 Metamorphoses After Ovid, Op. 49: IV. Bacchus, at Whose Feast Is Heard the Noise of Gaggling Women's Tattling Tongues and Shouting Out of BoysBenjamin Britten, Sarah Francis
6 Metamorphoses After Ovid, Op. 49: V. Narcissus, Who Fell in Love with His Own Image and Became a FlowerBenjamin Britten, Sarah Francis
6 Metamorphoses After Ovid, Op. 49: VI. Arethusa, Who, Flying from the Love of Alpheus the River God, Was Turned into a FountainBenjamin Britten, Sarah Francis
Temporal Variations: I. Theme. Andante rubatoBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
Temporal Variations: II. Oration. Lento quasi recitativoBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
Temporal Variations: III. March. Alla marciaBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
Temporal Variations: IV. Exercises. Allegro molto e fuocoBenjamin Britten, Sarah Francis, Michael Dussek
Temporal Variations: V. Commination. Adagio con fuocoBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
Temporal Variations: VI. Chorale. Molto lentoBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
Temporal Variations: VII. Waltz. Allegretto rubatoBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
Temporal Variations: VIII. Polka. Tempo di Polka – AllegroBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
Temporal Variations: IX. Resolution. Maestoso, ma non troppo lentoBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
5 Waltzes: I. Rather Fast and NervousBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
5 Waltzes: II. Quick, with WitBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
5 Waltzes: III. DramaticBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
5 Waltzes: IV. Rhythmic, Not FastBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
5 Waltzes: V. Variations. Quiet and Simple; Flowing; Slow and SadBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek
2 Insect Pieces: I. The GrasshopperBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
2 Insect Pieces: II. The WaspBenjamin Britten, Michael Dussek, Sarah Francis
Night Piece "Notturno"Benjamin Britten, Michael Dussek