Immerse yourself in the profound and diverse choral works of Benjamin Britten with "Britten: The Choral Edition." Released on January 1, 1997, this comprehensive collection showcases the genius of one of classical music's most celebrated composers. Spanning a rich tapestry of genres including classical, requiem, opera, neoclassical, and choral, this album offers a deep dive into Britten's mastery of vocal composition.
The album features a stunning array of pieces, from the sacred and contemplative "Hymn to St Peter" and "Hymn to St Cecilia" to the exuberant and joyful "Rejoice in the Lamb." Britten's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and spiritual depths is evident in works like "A Ceremony of Carols," a beloved set of carols that beautifully captures the essence of the Christmas season. The "Missa Brevis in D Major" and "Te Deum" further demonstrate Britten's skill in blending traditional liturgical forms with innovative musical expression.
The "Choral Dances from Gloriana" and "A.M.D.G." offer a glimpse into Britten's operatic and neoclassical influences, while pieces like "A Wedding Anthem" and "Christ's Nativity" highlight his ability to create music that is both intimate and universally resonant. Each track is a testament to Britten's meticulous craftsmanship and his deep understanding of the human voice.
With a duration of over two hours, this album is a treasure trove for both longtime fans and newcomers to Britten's music. Recorded by the esteemed Chandos label, the sound quality is impeccable, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the intricacies of Britten's compositions. Whether you are drawn to the solemnity of a requiem or the exultation of a choral dance, "Britten: The Choral Edition" is a must-listen for anyone seeking to explore the rich and varied world of Benjamin Britten's choral works.
2013 Chandos Records2013 Chandos Records
Tracks
Hymn to St Peter, Op. 56aBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Julie Cooper, Finzi Singers
Hymn to St ColumbaBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A Hymn to the VirginBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Julie Cooper, Stephen Carter, Mark Milhofer, Matthew Brook, Finzi Singers
Hymn to St Cecilia, Op. 27: I. In a garden shady this holy ladyBenjamin Britten, Finzi Singers, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Belinda Yates, Kathryn Cook, Andrew Carwood, Matthew Brook
Hymn to St Cecilia, Op. 27: II. I cannot growBenjamin Britten, Finzi Singers, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Belinda Yates, Kathryn Cook, Andrew Carwood, Matthew Brook
Hymn to St Cecilia, Op. 27: III. O ear whose creatures cannot wish to fallBenjamin Britten, Finzi Singers, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Belinda Yates, Kathryn Cook, Andrew Carwood, Matthew Brook
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: I. Rejoice in God, O ye TonguesBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: II. Let Nimrod, the mighty hunterBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: III. Hallelujah from the heart of GodBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: IV. For I will consider my Cat JeoffryBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: V. For the Mouse is a creature of great personal valourBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: VI. For the flowers are great blessingsBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: VII. For I am under the same accusation with my SaviourBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: VIII. For H is a spirit and therefore he is GodBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: IX. For the instruments are by their rhimesBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30: X. Hallelujah from the heart of GodBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Richard Wyn Roberts, James Gilchrist, Matthew Brook, Simon Preece, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: I. TimeBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: II. ConcordBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: III. Time and ConcordBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: IV. Country GirlsBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: V. Rustics and FishermenBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Choral Dances from Gloriana: VI. Final Dance of HomageBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: I. Prayer IBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: II. Rosa MysticaBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: III. God's GrandeurBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: IV. Prayer IIBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: V. O Deus, ego amo TeBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: VI. The SoldierBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A.M.D.G.: VII. Heaven-HavenBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Jubilate DeoBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Te DeumBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Antiphon, Op. 56bBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Olive Simpson, Rachel Wheatley, Rachel Elliot, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Missa Brevis in D Major, Op. 63: I. KyrieBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Robert Burt, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Missa Brevis in D Major, Op. 63: II. GloriaBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Robert Burt, Rachel Wheatley, Carys Lane, Lindasy Wagstaff, Andrew Lumsden, Lindsay Wagstaff, Finzi Singers
Missa Brevis in D Major, Op. 63: III. SanctusBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Missa Brevis in D Major, Op. 63: IV. BenedictusBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Lindasy Wagstaff, Lindsay Wagstaff, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Missa Brevis in D Major, Op. 63: V. Agnus DeiBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
A Wedding Anthem, Op. 46Benjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Mark Milhofer, Andrew Lumsden, Finzi Singers
Christ's Nativity: II. Sweet was the Song the Virgin SungBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susanna Spicer, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: I. ProcessionBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: II. Wolcum Yole!Benjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: III. There is no RoseBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: IVa. That yonge childBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Olive Simpson, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: IVb. BalulalowBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Olive Simpson, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: V. As dew in AprilleBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: VI. This little BabeBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: VII. InterludeBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: VIII. In Freezing Winter NightBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Carys Lane, Kathryn Cook, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: IX. Spring CarolBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Rachel Wheatley, Rachel Elliot, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
A Ceremony of Carols, Op. 28: X. Deo graciasBenjamin Britten, Paul Spicer, Susan Drake, Finzi Singers
Vinylscout