Dive into the rich and diverse musical landscape of Benjamin Britten with this captivating album, set to release on August 28, 2025, under Warner Classics. Spanning a little over an hour, this collection offers a compelling journey through Britten's mastery of various genres, including classical, choral, and neoclassical works.
The album features a mix of Britten's orchestral and vocal compositions, showcasing his exceptional ability to blend traditional folk melodies with sophisticated orchestration. Highlights include the evocative "Folksong Arrangements" from the British Isles and France, beautifully orchestrated to bring out the essence of each piece. The "4 Chansons françaises" offer a delicate and intimate exploration of French poetry set to music, while the "Sinfonietta" demonstrates Britten's prowess in orchestral composition with its dynamic and varied movements.
A significant portion of the album is dedicated to Britten's dramatic work "Our Hunting Fathers," a powerful and poignant exploration of themes of hunting and mortality. This suite, complete with its Prologue, Epilogue, and Funeral March, provides a deep and moving listening experience.
Whether you're a long-time admirer of Benjamin Britten or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a comprehensive and engaging introduction to some of his most notable compositions. It's a testament to Britten's enduring legacy and his ability to create music that resonates across generations.
Britten: Folksong Arrangements, Book 3 "British Isles": No. 6, O Waly, Waly (Orchestral Version)Benjamin Britten, Ian Bostridge, Britten Sinfonia, Daniel Harding
Britten: 4 Chansons françaises: No. 1, Nuits de juinBenjamin Britten, Ian Bostridge, Britten Sinfonia, Daniel Harding
Britten: 4 Chansons françaises: No. 2, SagesseBenjamin Britten, Ian Bostridge, Britten Sinfonia, Daniel Harding
Britten: 4 Chansons françaises: No. 3, L'enfanceBenjamin Britten, Ian Bostridge, Britten Sinfonia, Daniel Harding
Britten: 4 Chansons françaises: No. 4, Chanson d'automneBenjamin Britten, Ian Bostridge, Britten Sinfonia, Daniel Harding
Britten: Folksong Arrangements, Book 2 "France": No. 8, Quand j'étais chez mon père (Orchestral Version)Benjamin Britten, Ian Bostridge, Britten Sinfonia, Daniel Harding
Britten: Folksong Arrangements, Book 2 "France": No. 7, Eho ! Eho ! (Orchestral Version)Benjamin Britten, Ian Bostridge, Britten Sinfonia, Daniel Harding
Britten: Sinfonietta, Op. 1: I. Poco presto ed agitatoBenjamin Britten, Daniel Harding, Britten Sinfonia
Britten: Sinfonietta, Op. 1: II. VariationsBenjamin Britten, Daniel Harding, Britten Sinfonia
Britten: Sinfonietta, Op. 1: III. TarantellaBenjamin Britten, Daniel Harding, Britten Sinfonia
Britten: Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8: No. 1, PrologueBenjamin Britten, Ian Bostridge, Britten Sinfonia, Daniel Harding
Britten: Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8: No. 2, Rats Away!Benjamin Britten, Ian Bostridge, Britten Sinfonia, Daniel Harding
Britten: Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8: No. 3, MessalinaBenjamin Britten, Ian Bostridge, Britten Sinfonia, Daniel Harding
Britten: Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8: No. 4, Dance of DeathBenjamin Britten, Ian Bostridge, Britten Sinfonia, Daniel Harding
Britten: Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 8: No. 5, Epilogue and Funeral MarchBenjamin Britten, Ian Bostridge, Britten Sinfonia, Daniel Harding
Britten: Folksong Arrangements, Book 1 "British Isles": No. 7, Oliver Cromwell (Orchestral Version)Benjamin Britten, Ian Bostridge, Britten Sinfonia, Daniel Harding