Benjamin Britten

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You know that Atlanta SO is performing this in April, four months too late of course. 

I don't like Spano, so I'll pass.

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I've listened to this recording four times over the past two days:



Words can't even begin to describe how incredible this recording actually is. The last movement (Depart) of Les Illuminations sent chills down my spine. Does anyone else love this recording as much as I do?

[kyjo]

You may want to go get your ears cleaned out, Kyle, because you're completely off the mark here. To feel absolutely nothing from the last movement of Death in Venice or the War Requiem leaves me to question who actually is 'cold.'

I'm getting really tired of your constant hard-hitting attitude with me, John. Honestly, you're getting on my nerves. You're fun to be around for a while, but you make our disagreements unnecessarily tiresome, so I'm afraid to say anything around you anymore.

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I'm getting really tired of your constant hard-hitting attitude with me, John. Honestly, you're getting on my nerves. You're fun to be around for a while, but you make our disagreements unnecessarily tiresome, so I'm afraid to say anything around you anymore.

Clearly you could have sent this post to me in the form of a PM. You're just being way too sensitive. BTW, while we're both here, did you get my last PM?

[TheGSMoeller]

Britten is featured on the cover of Gramophone this month. Several articles on the composer, including a focus on his operas.

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Britten is featured on the cover of Gramophone this month. Several articles on the composer, including a focus on his operas.

Nice, Greg! I bought the BBC Music Magazine January 2013 issue and it has Britten on the front cover as well.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Words can't even begin to describe how incredible this recording actually is. The last movement (Depart) of Les Illuminations sent chills down my spine. Does anyone else love this recording as much as I do?

I don't have this particular recording (I have Britten's own w/Pears) but agree the work is something special.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Britten is featured on the cover of Gramophone this month. Several articles on the composer, including a focus on his operas.

Wow, very cool. Thanks for the head's up.

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I don't have this particular recording (I have Britten's own w/Pears) but agree the work is something special.

DD, you'll love this recording. Even if you have many recordings of Serenade or Les Illuminations already. This Bostridge/Rattle recording is a gem.

[kishnevi]

DD, you'll love this recording. Even if you have many recordings of Serenade or Les Illuminations already. This Bostridge/Rattle recording is a crown jewel.

FTFY

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FTFY

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There seems to be a flood of newer and still rather new War Requiem recordings that have hit the market, does anyone know these?

[TheGSMoeller]

There seems to be a flood of newer and still rather new War Requiem recordings that have hit the market, does anyone know these?

Out of those (excluding the Jansons) I would say I enjoyed the Pappano the most. The sound quality is very good (great dynamic contrast in the dies irae)  and Bostridge and Hampson make a great duo.
That being said, I'm not sure about buying any of them at the moment because the five I already own are sufficient.

[North Star]

I'll probably get a War Requiem recording to go with the Rattle, so many options, including those 5, Britten's own, and Hickox..

[TheGSMoeller]

I'll probably get a War Requiem recording to go with the Rattle, so many options, including those 5, Britten's own, and Hickox..

There are many choices, which seems to have doubled in the past few years. But you named two good ones, Britten's and Hickox. Doesn't seem to get a lot of mention, but I also really like the Gardiner on DG, and Rilling's on superb Hanssler SACD sound. But like I said, many choices. A great way to sample is through Spotify. I think all the ones mentioned in the past few posts are available there.

[North Star]

There are many choices, which seems to have doubled in the past few years. But you named two good ones, Britten's and Hickox. Doesn't seem to get a lot of mention, but I also really like the Gardiner on DG, and Rilling's on superb Hanssler SACD sound. But like I said, many choices. A great way to sample is through Spotify. I think all the ones mentioned in the past few posts are available there.

Thanks, yes, most are on Spotify - I didn't see McCreesh there, though.
I guess I'll listen to the Rattle recording at some point and then pick some bits for comparison.

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Out of those (excluding the Jansons) I would say I enjoyed the Pappano the most. The sound quality is very good (great dynamic contrast in the dies irae)  and Bostridge and Hampson make a great duo.
That being said, I'm not sure about buying any of them at the moment because the five I already own are sufficient.

Yeah, the Pappano does look quite enticing, Greg. Unfortunately, I'm in a similar boat as you are as I have three really excellent recordings already: Britten, Hickox, and Masur (Teldec).

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I'll probably get a War Requiem recording to go with the Rattle, so many options, including those 5, Britten's own, and Hickox..

With the Britten, you get no couplings except some rehearsal tracks. With Hickox, you get Ballad of Hereos and Sinfonia da Requiem. Two works which you own already, but it doesn't hurt having two more, especially when their as good as these performances.

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Cross-posted from the 'Purchases' thread:

I told myself no more music purchases until the New Year, but I couldn't help myself as this was 1. so cheap ($10) and 2. it was indeed on my wish list:



The only other Britten opera recording I'm interested in at the moment is Hickox's Death in Venice (also on Chandos), which comes very highly recommended by Monkey Greg.

Just bought for $23:



I just couldn't resist. This recording came highly recommended to me by Monkey Greg and the few excerpts I heard of this performance via Spotify really impressed me.

Needless to say, I'm quite looking forward to receiving these two sets plus that huge 66 CD set on Decca.

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Received my issue of BBC Music Magazine January 2013 (with Britten on the cover) and I love that most of everything in this magazine is Britten, Britten, Britten. Some interesting articles, too.