Dive into the enchanting world of Benjamin Britten with this captivating album, "Britten: The Little Sweep & Cantata Academia." Released on January 1, 1989, under Heritage Records, this collection showcases Britten's mastery across various genres, including classical, opera, neoclassical, and choral music. The album is a delightful blend of two distinct works: "The Little Sweep," a charming opera, and "Cantata Academica," a scholarly cantata.
"The Little Sweep" is a whimsical and heartwarming opera that tells the story of a young chimney sweep. The opera is divided into several tracks, each capturing a different moment in the sweep's journey. From the energetic "Sweep! Sweep!" to the tender "O Why Do You Weep," Britten's composition is both engaging and emotionally resonant. The opera culminates in a pantomime and a coaching song, adding layers of complexity and depth to the narrative.
"Cantata Academica," on the other hand, is a more formal and academic piece. Composed in two parts, it explores themes of learning, virtue, and the pursuit of knowledge. The cantata is a testament to Britten's ability to blend intellectual rigor with musical beauty. Tracks like "Bonorum summum omnium" and "Docendi ac discendi aequitati" showcase Britten's skill in creating music that is both intellectually stimulating and aesthetically pleasing.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 4 minutes, this album offers a rich and varied listening experience. Whether you're a fan of opera, choral music, or classical compositions, Benjamin Britten's "Britten: The Little Sweep & Cantata Academia" is sure to captivate and inspire.
2012 Heritage Records2012 Heritage Records
Tracks
The Little Sweep (Let's Make an Opera) Op. 45: "Sweep! Sweep!"Benjamin Britten, London Symphony Orchestra, English Opera Group, George Malcolm
The Little Sweep (Let's Make an Opera) Op. 45: "Sweep This Chimney"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Trevor Anthony, English Opera Group, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
The Little Sweep (Let's Make an Opera) Op. 45: "Now, Little White Boy!"English Opera Group, George Malcom, Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Trevor Anthony, London Symphony Orchestra
The Little Sweep (Let's Make an Opera) Op. 45: "Pull the Rope Gently"Benjamin Britten, English Opera Group, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
The Little Sweep (Let's Make an Opera) Op. 45: "Is He Wounded?"Benjamin Britten, English Opera Group, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
The Little Sweep (Let's Make an Opera) Op. 45: "Sooty Tracks Upon the Sheet"Benjamin Britten, English Opera Group, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
The Little Sweep (Let's Make an Opera) Op. 45: "Run Poor Sweepboy"Benjamin Britten, Jennifer Vyvyan, English Opera Group, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
The Little Sweep (Let's Make an Opera) Op. 45: "The Kettles Are Singing"Benjamin Britten, English Opera Group, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
The Little Sweep (Let's Make an Opera) Op. 45: "O Why Do You Weep"Benjamin Britten, Jennifer Vyvyan, David Hemmings, English Opera Group, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
The Little Sweep (Let's Make an Opera) Op. 45: Pantomime - "Ah! ..... Blackguards!"Benjamin Britten, Nancy Thomas, English Opera Group, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
The Little Sweep (Let's Make an Opera) Op. 45: "Help! Help! She's Collapsed!"Benjamin Britten, Nancy Thomas, English Opera Group, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
The Little Sweep (Let's Make an Opera) Op. 45: "The Owl, Wide-Winging"Benjamin Britten, English Opera Group, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
The Little Sweep (Let's Make an Opera) Op. 45: "Soon the Coach Will Carry You Away"Benjamin Britten, April Cantelo, English Opera Group, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
The Little Sweep (Let's Make an Opera) Op. 45: "Morning Sammy"Benjamin Britten, Robin Fairhurst, English Opera Group, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
The Little Sweep (Let's Make an Opera) Op. 45: "Ready, Alfred?"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, English Opera Group, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
The Little Sweep (Let's Make an Opera) Op. 45: Coaching Song: "The Horses Are Champing"Benjamin Britten, English Opera Group, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
Cantata Academica Op. 62: Part I: I. Bonorum summum omnium - II. Il quae bene beatequwe ViviendiBenjamin Britten, Jennifer Vyvyan, Helen Watts, Sir Peter Pears, Owen Branningan, Harold Lester, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
Cantata Academica Op. 62: Part I: III. At huis caelestis - IV. Maiorum imprimis virtus - V. Tum vero Aenease SylviusBenjamin Britten, Jennifer Vyvyan, Helen Watts, Sir Peter Pears, Owen Branningan, Harold Lester, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
Cantata Academica Op. 62: Part I: VI. Et gubernacula mundi qui tenet - VII. ut ad longaeva temporaBenjamin Britten, Jennifer Vyvyan, Helen Watts, Sir Peter Pears, Owen Branningan, Harold Lester, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
Cantata Academica Op. 62: Part II: VIII. Docendi ac discendi aequitatiBenjamin Britten, Jennifer Vyvyan, Helen Watts, Sir Peter Pears, Owen Branningan, Harold Lester, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
Cantata Academica Op. 62: Part II: IX Rhenana erga omnes urbs - X. ut iutissime Basilea audiat - XI. O cives BasilensesBenjamin Britten, Jennifer Vyvyan, Helen Watts, Sir Peter Pears, Owen Branningan, Harold Lester, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
Cantata Academica Op. 62: Part II: XII. Nos autem cuncti hoc festo die - XIII. vigeatque academia liberaBenjamin Britten, Jennifer Vyvyan, Helen Watts, Sir Peter Pears, Owen Branningan, Harold Lester, London Symphony Orchestra, George Malcolm
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