Britten, Bax, Bridge, Stanford : Works Of The Sea
Label: CHANDOS Catalog: CHAN10426 Format: CD Ulster Orchestra; Vernon HandleyBenjamin Britten (1913-1976) Four Sea Interludes, Op.33a; Frank Bridge (1879-1941) The Sea; Arnold Bax (1883-1953) On the Sea Shore; Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924) The Fisherman of Loch Neagh and What He Saw Britten's 'Peter Grimes' has been described as "the most successful of all modern English operas". The opera is distinguished by a series of Inteludes, linking the scenes in each of the three acts and thereby ensuring continuity of sound. Realizing the popularity of the Interludes, Britten took the most compact four and placed them together as a single piece in four sections. The result is "Four Sea Interludes", rich and evocative pieces which encapsulate the spirit of the opera and the atmosphere of the Suffolk coast. The "Storm" interlude is much admired by hi-fi buffs for its incredible sound. Frank Bridge's 'The Sea' is a richly atmospheric work, sumptuously orchestrated and full of ravishing melodies which proved a great influence on a young Benjamin Britten (his pupil) - in particular the haunting third movement "Moonlight". Handley and the Ulster Orchestra perform the work with brilliance and heartfelt compassion. Bax's Prelude, 'On the Sea Shore' makes a colourful and atmospheric companion to the masterly Bridge and Britten pieces on the disc. Completing this collection is Standford's 'The Fisherman of Loch Neagh and What He Saw", a distinctive, sharply contrasted, colourful and atmospheric work - especially picturesque, in part because of the Irish melodies woven into it. It was Stanford's intense richness which in fact protected him from the Tuetonic influences of British music during his earlier years. Available for the first time at mid-price this collection is sure to inspire all lovers of British orchestral music. "This record gives an excellent introduction to twentieth-century English programme music." - Tower Records, Guide to Classical Music "The performance is beautifully realized with ravishing tones..." - Classical Express Price: $17.98 |