Benjamin Britten performs Benjamin Britten

Benjamin Britten (Composer), Colin McPhee (Composer), Benjamin Britten (Conductor, Performer), Boyd Neel String Orchestra (Orchestra), Boyd Neel Orchestra (Orchestra), Colin McPhee (Performer), Clifford Curzon (Performer), Peter Pears (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Benjamin Britten, Colin McPhee, Clifford Curzon, Peter Pears
• Orchestra: Boyd Neel String Orchestra, Boyd Neel Orchestra
• Conductor: Benjamin Britten
• Composer: Benjamin Britten, Colin McPhee
• Audio CD (September 19, 1995)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Pearl
• ASIN: B000000WPW
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #435,396 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Sonnets (7) of Michelangelo, for voice & piano, Op. 22: Sonnet XVI

2. Sonnets (7) of Michelangelo, for voice & piano, Op. 22: Sonnet XXXI

3. Sonnets (7) of Michelangelo, for voice & piano, Op. 22: Sonnet XXX

4. Sonnets (7) of Michelangelo, for voice & piano, Op. 22: Sonnet LV

5. Sonnets (7) of Michelangelo, for voice & piano, Op. 22: Sonnet XXXVIII

6. Sonnets (7) of Michelangelo, for voice & piano, Op. 22: Sonnet XXXII

7. Sonnets (7) of Michelangelo, for voice & piano, Op. 22: Sonnet XXIV

8. Balinese Ceremonial Music, for 2 pianos: Pemúngkah (overture to Shadowplay)

9. Balinese Ceremonial Music, for 2 pianos: Rébong (love music from Shadowplay)

10. Balinese Ceremonial Music, for 2 pianos: Gambangan (intermezzo)

11. Balinese Ceremonial Music, for 2 pianos: Lagú Delem (music from Shadowplay)

12. Balinese Ceremonial Music, for 2 pianos: Tabú Telú (ceremonial music)

13. The Ash Grove, for voice & piano (Folk Songs, Vol. 1)

14. The Salley Gardens, for voice & piano (Folk Songs, Vol. 1)

15. Little Sir William, for voice & piano (Folk Songs, Vol. 1)

16. Oliver Cromwell, for voice & piano (Folk Songs, Vol. 1)

17. Pieces (2), for 2 pianos, Op. 23: No. 1, Introduction and Rondo Alla Burlesca

18. Pieces (2), for 2 pianos, Op. 23: No. 2, Mazurka Elegiaca

19. Serenade, for tenor, horn & strings, Op. 31: I. Prologue

20. Serenade, for tenor, horn & strings, Op. 31: II. Pastoral

See all 26 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Incredibly Important and Rewarding Recording, March 8, 2006

By 

Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Benjamin Britten performs Benjamin Britten (Audio CD)

The re-mastering of the works on this historically significant recording is so fine that they sound as clear and responsive as the best of today's engineering on recordings. And that is a feat! These recordings by Benjamin Britten were made form 1942 to 1944 when Britten was just coming into recognition as a major force in composing, conducting and performing as a pianist. And in some cases here are first recordings of come of his works as well as sole recordings of others. This CD is a collector's treat.

The CD opens with 'Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo' with Britten at the piano accompanying the very young and stunningly perfect tenor Peter Pears, this work bring the first of many Britten wrote specifically for Pears. Pears voice is so fresh and musical that he is able to give these sonnets their full beauty. Following this is a work by Colin McFee and Britten, 'Music of Bali', in which they transcribe Balinese ceremonial music to a work for duopianists. It is atmospheric and stunning.

Britten and Pears then collaborate on British Folk Songs 'The Ash Grove', 'The Sally Gardens', 'Little Sir William', and 'Oliver Cromwell' with Pears enunciating the words so clearly that surely this was one of the reasons Britten's superior reputation for writing for the English language was born.

Britten then joins with fellow pianist Clifford Curzon in the piano duet Opus 23, 'Introduction and Rondo Alla Burlesca and Mazurka Elegiaca', a brilliant tour de force for the keyboard that is at once accessible and yet offers hints at some of the sonorities Britten would incorporate in later works.

The CD is rounded out with the very first recording of Britten's 'Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings' with Britten conducting the Boyd Neel String Orchestra, Pears of course singing, and the famous Dennis Brain as the horn soloist. Not only is it important historically, it remains one of the most successful performances of this now extremely popular work. Both Pears (sounding more fresh and yet profound than ever) and Brain are sensitive to the music and the poetry and the results are a luminous experience for any listener.

This is a true Collectors Recording and is Highly Recommended on every level. Grady Harp, March 06

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rare Benjamin Britten, June 28, 2008

By 

Donna "Donna" (Pasadena, US, Canada) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Benjamin Britten performs Benjamin Britten (Audio CD)

This early recording with Britten's companion and favored tenor, Peter Pears, lends insight to both artists' work. Britten is a giant and every piece by him is precious