Britten: Simple Symphony ; Spring Symphony; Four Sea Interludes

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:40:42 +0000

(Spring Sym) “confirmed in my admiration by this, both technically and musically among the best things the gramophone has given us. The music is not difficult for any open-minded listener to enjoy…filled with the composer’s ecstatic response to the manifold beauties of springtime, of innocence and eager youth… Such a performance, and such a recording, were worth waiting for” (Gramophone) “Memorable as it is joyous” (Penguin Guide) (Four Sea Interludes) “evokes the very different moods of the Sea Interludes intensely and atmospherically”(Gramophone)

Simple Symphony Op.4
I Musici directed by Felix Ayo Rec.1959

[1] I. Boisterous Bourée 2.31 [3] III. Sentimental Sarabande 7.20
[2] II. Playful Pizzicato 3.12 [4] IV. Frolicsome Finale 2.47

Peter Grimes – Four Sea Interludes
Royal Opera House Orchestra conducted Benjamin Britten Rec.1958

[5] Dawn 3.35 [7] Moonlight 4.20
[6] Sunday Morning 3.49 [8] Storm 4.14

Spring Symphony Op.44
Jennifer Vyvyan (Sopr); Norma Proctor (Contralto); Peter Pears (Tenor) with the
Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden;
Chorus of Boys from Emanuel School, Wandsworth, London

[9] Part 1 Introduction: Shine Out (Anon. 16th century)
The Merry Cuckoo (Spenser) Spring the Sweet Spring (Nashe)
The Driving Boy (Peele, Clare) The Morning Star (Milton) 17.43
[10] Part 2 Welcome Maids of Honour (Herrick)
Waters Above Out on the Lawn I Lie in Bed (Auden) 11.14
[11] Part 3 When will my May Come (Barnefield)
Fair and Fair (Peele) Sound the Flute (Blake) 5.53
[12] Part 4 Finale:London, To thee I do Present (Beaumont/Flatcher) 7.18

Felix Ayo – Alto CD

Britten: Simple Symphony ; Spring Symphony; Four Sea Interludes