Hymnos. Benjamin Britten. Purcell Realizations & Canticles

Passacaille Records — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 07:40:33 +0000

Purcell Britten A Morning Hymn Purcell Britten Alleluia Purcell Britten_ Evening Hymn

Without doubt, Benjamin Britten (1913-76) left an indelible impression on every genre of 20^th century English music. However, it is his smaller scale vocal repertoire that is particularly fascinating. Featuring three of Britten’s “Canticles” as well as a selection of his best realizations (or “arrangements,” if you will) of songs by Henry Purcell (1659-95), this recording represents the mature revival of English song.

The “Canticles” presented on this recording (numbers 1-3) are masterful, morally charged pieces. They demand of the singer and pianist careful attention to how Britten uses text as the starting point for all of his works. The “Purcell Realizations” further illustrate the genius of Benjamin Britten.

Benjamin Britten strikes the ideal balance between providing unbelievably stirring music and serving the text without overwhelming its intent. This recording demonstrates Britten’s preeminence among 20^th century song composers.

Booklet: EN, DE

Lyrics: EN

Songs by Henry Lawes

communication — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 04:00:43 +0000

At the forefront of the unjustly forgotten English composers of the 17th century and revealed here in a near-world premiere is Henry Lawes, a member of the royal court and a teacher. Highly praised in his time, he was the main architect of the art of the English song, of which he left 434 pieces simply accompanied on the lute. An instrument that we find again, with some incursions of the viol, around the preludes of John Wilson and William Lawes, Henry’s younger brother. It should be noted that John Wilson was himself the author of more than 230 songs and Henry Lawes’ successor at his death.

Booklet: EN, FR, DE

Lyrics: EN

David Munderloh – Passacaille

Hymnos. Benjamin Britten. Purcell Realizations & Canticles

Songs by Henry Lawes