Dive into the world of Benjamin Britten with Edward Gardner's masterful conducting and the London Philharmonic Orchestra's exquisite performance in "Edward Gardner conducts Britten." This album, set to release on June 20, 2025, under the London Philharmonic Orchestra label, is a captivating journey through Britten's diverse compositions, spanning classical, requiem, opera, neoclassical, and choral genres.
The album opens with Britten's powerful "Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20," a piece that showcases the orchestra's depth and Gardner's nuanced direction. Following this, the "Winter Words, Op. 52," orchestrated by Robin Holloway, offers a poignant exploration of Britten's song cycle, featuring the exceptional vocal talents of Nicky Spence.
A highlight of the album is the world premiere recording of the ballet suite from Britten's "The Prince of the Pagodas," Op. 57. This suite, conducted by Gardner, is a testament to Britten's inventive orchestration and the London Philharmonic Orchestra's versatility. The suite's prelude, waltzes, and pas de deux are performed with precision and grace, offering a fresh perspective on Britten's lesser-known works.
Throughout the album, Gardner's conducting shines, drawing out the emotional depth and technical brilliance of Britten's compositions. The London Philharmonic Orchestra's performance is equally impressive, with each piece brought to life with clarity and passion.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Britten's musical genius. Whether you're a longtime fan of Britten's work or a newcomer to his compositions, "Edward Gardner conducts Britten" is a compelling addition to any classical music collection.
2025 London Philharmonic Orchestra2025 London Philharmonic Orchestra
Tracks
Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20: I. LacrymosaBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20: II. Dies IraeBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 20: III. Requiem AeternamBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Winter Words, Op. 52 (Orch. Robin Holloway): I. At Day-close in NovemberBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicky Spence
Winter Words, Op. 52 (Orch. Robin Holloway): II. Midnight on the Great Western "The Journeying Boy"Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicky Spence
Winter Words, Op. 52 (Orch. Robin Holloway): III. Wagtail and Baby (A Satire)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicky Spence
Winter Words, Op. 52 (Orch. Robin Holloway): IV. The Little Old TableBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicky Spence
Winter Words, Op. 52 (Orch. Robin Holloway): V. The Choirmaster's Burial (or The Tenor Man's Story)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicky Spence
Winter Words, Op. 52 (Orch. Robin Holloway): VI. Proud Songsters (Thrushes, Finches and Nightingales)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicky Spence
Winter Words, Op. 52 (Orch. Robin Holloway): VII. At the Railway Station, Upway (The Convict and Boy with the Violin)Benjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicky Spence
Winter Words, Op. 52 (Orch. Robin Holloway): VIII. Before Life and AfterBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicky Spence
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57: PreludeBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act I Scene 1 The Palace of the Emperor of the Middle Kingdom: The Fool and the DwarfBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act I Scene 1 The Palace of the Emperor of the Middle Kingdom: Variation of Princess Belle ÉpineBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act II Scene 1 The Strange Journey of Belle Rose to the Pagoda Land: IntroductionBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act II Scene 1 The Strange Journey of Belle Rose to the Pagoda Land: Waltz. Clouds, Stars and MoonBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act II Scene 1 The Strange Journey of Belle Rose to the Pagoda Land: Belle Rose borne in by the FrogsBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act II Scene 2 The Arrival and Adventures of Belle Rose in the Kingdom of the Pagodas: The PagodasBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act II Scene 2 The Arrival and Adventures of Belle Rose in the Kingdom of the Pagodas: The HuntBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act III Scene 1 The Palace of the Middle Kingdom: Pas de Deux. Belle Rose and the Prince of the PagodasBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, Op. 57, Act III Scene 1 The Palace of the Middle Kingdom: Finale and ApotheosisBenjamin Britten, Edward Gardner, London Philharmonic Orchestra
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