Composer: Benjamin Britten, Henry Purcell, John Weldon
Performer: David Munderloh, Edward Rushton, Alex Potter, Olivier Picon
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Passacaille
Catalogue: PAS1095
Release: 2020
Size: 1 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
01. Purcell: Thou wakeful shepherd that dost Israel keep (A Morning Hymn), Z198
02. Purcell: If music be the food of love Z379A
03. Purcell: How blest are the shepherds (from King Arthur)
Britten: Canticle I – “My Beloved Is Mine And I Am His” Op. 40
04. Ev’n like two little bank-divided brooks
05. Purcell: Music for a while, Z583
Britten: Canticle II – Abraham & Isaac Op. 51
06. Abraham, my servant, Abraham
07. Weldon: Alleluia
08. Britten: Canticle III – Still falls the rain Op. 55
09. Purcell: Let the night perish (Job’s Curse), Z191
10. Purcell: If Music be the Food of Love, Z. 379C
11. Purcell: An Evening Hymn ‘Now that the sun hath veiled his light’, Z193
Without doubt, Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) left an indelible impression on every genre of 20th 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 want) 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 20th century song composers.