Immerse yourself in the enchanting vocals of Mark Padmore as he masterfully interprets the works of Benjamin Britten and Gerald Finzi in this captivating album. Released on May 15, 2012, under the harmonia mundi label, this classical choral collection showcases Padmore's exceptional tenor voice, accompanied by a rich tapestry of strings and other instruments.
The album begins with Britten's "Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op.31," a seven-movement piece that takes listeners on a journey through a variety of moods and landscapes. From the pastoral serenity of the second movement to the haunting elegance of the fourth, each section is a testament to Britten's compositional genius and Padmore's interpretive prowess. The serenade concludes with a poignant epilogue, leaving listeners in a state of reflective tranquility.
Following the serenade, the album presents Britten's "Nocturne for Tenor, Seven Obbligato Instruments & Strings, Op.60." This eight-movement work is a nocturnal exploration of poetry and music, with Padmore's voice weaving through the intricate instrumental accompaniment. Each movement offers a unique blend of text and sound, culminating in a deeply moving musical experience.
The album concludes with Finzi's "Dies Natalis, Op.8," a five-movement piece that celebrates the birth of Christ. Padmore's tender and expressive delivery brings Finzi's music to life, creating a sense of reverence and joy that resonates with listeners.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes, this album is a testament to the enduring power of classical music and the artistry of Mark Padmore. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire.
2012 harmonia mundi usa2012 harmonia mundi usa
Tracks
Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: I. PrologueBenjamin Britten, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Bell
Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: II. PastoralBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: III. NocturneBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: IV. ElegyBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: V. DirgeBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: VI. HymnBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: VII. SonnetBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op.31: VIII. EpilogueBenjamin Britten, Britten Sinfonia, Stephen Bell
Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: I. On a poet’s lips I sleptBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: II. Below the thunders of the upper deepBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: III. Encinctured with a twine of leavesBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: IV. Midnight’s bell goes ting, ting, tingBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: V. But that night when on my bed I layBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: VI. She sleeps on soft, last breathsBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: VII. What is more gentle than a wind in summer?Benjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Joy Farrall, Britten Sinfonia
Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: Nocturne for tenor, seven obbligato instruments & strings, Op.60: VIII. When most I wink, then do mine eyes best seeBenjamin Britten, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Dies Natalis, Op.8: Dies Natalis, Op.8: I. IntradaGerald Finzi, Britten Sinfonia
Dies Natalis, Op.8: Dies Natalis, Op.8: II. Rhapsody: Recitativo stromentatoGerald Finzi, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Dies Natalis, Op.8: Dies Natalis, Op.8: III. The Rapture: DanzaGerald Finzi, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Dies Natalis, Op.8: Dies Natalis, Op.8: IV. Wonder: AriosoGerald Finzi, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
Dies Natalis, Op.8: Dies Natalis, Op.8: V. The Salutation: AriaGerald Finzi, Mark Padmore, Britten Sinfonia
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