Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20: I. Lacrymosa. Andante ben misuratoBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20: II. Dies irae. Allegro con fuoco - Alla marciaBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20: III. Requiem aeternam. Andante molto tranquilloBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part I: Introduction. Shine out (chorus)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part I: The Merry Cuckoo (Tenor)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Allan Clayton
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part I: Spring, the Sweet Spring (soprano, alto, tenor, chorus)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Elizabeth Watts, Alice Coote, Allan Clayton, London Symphony Chorus
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part I: The Driving Boy (soprano, children's chorus)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Elizabeth Watts, Tiffin Boys' Choir, Tiffin Children's Chorus, The Tiffin Girls' School Choir
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part I: The Morning Star (Chorus)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part II: Welcome, Maids of Honour (alto)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Alice Coote
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part II: Waters Above (Tenor)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Allan Clayton
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part II: Out on the Lawn I lie in Bed (alto, chorus)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Alice Coote, London Symphony Chorus
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part III: When will my May come (Tenor)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Allan Clayton
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part III: Fair and Fair (Soprano, Tenor)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Elizabeth Watts, Allan Clayton
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part III: Sound the Flute (chorus, children's chorus)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus, Tiffin Boys' Choir, Tiffin Children's Chorus, The Tiffin Girls' School Choir
Spring Symphony, Op. 44, Part IV: Finale. London, to Thee I do Present (soprano, alto, tenor, chorus, children's chorus)Benjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra, Elizabeth Watts, Alice Coote, Allan Clayton, London Symphony Chorus, Tiffin Boys' Choir, Tiffin Children's Chorus, The Tiffin Girls' School Choir
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34: I. Theme. Allegro maestoso e largamenteBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34: II. Variations A-D, Woodwinds. Presto - Lento - Moderato - Allegro alla marciaBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34: III. Variations E-H, Strings. Brillante, alla polacca - Meno mosso - Cominciando lento ma poco a poco accelerandoBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34: IV. Variation I, Harp. MaestosoBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34: V. Variations J-L, Brass. L'istesso tempo - Vivace - Allegro pomposoBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34: VI. Variation M, Percussion. ModeratoBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34: VII. Fugue. Allegro molto - AnimatoBenjamin Britten, Sir Simon Rattle, London Symphony Orchestra
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Benjamin Britten with this exceptional album, set to release on April 19, 2024, under the LSO Live label. This collection showcases Britten's mastery across various genres, including classical, requiem, opera, neoclassical, and choral music, all within a concise yet powerful duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes.
The album opens with Britten's poignant "Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20," a three-movement work that explores themes of lament, wrath, and eternal rest. Following this, the "Spring Symphony, Op. 44" unfolds like a blooming garden, with its four parts depicting the vibrant and varied aspects of spring. From the playful "The Merry Cuckoo" to the majestic "Finale," this symphony is a celebration of renewal and growth, featuring a diverse range of vocal and instrumental performances.
The album concludes with "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Op. 34," a brilliant and engaging exploration of the orchestra's many voices. Britten's inventive variations on a theme by Henry Purcell highlight each section of the orchestra, from the delicate woodwinds to the powerful brass, culminating in a thrilling fugue that brings the entire ensemble together.
This album is a testament to Britten's genius and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and images through his music. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the breadth and depth of Britten's musical vision.
2024 London Symphony Orchestra Ltd2024 London Symphony Orchestra Ltd