Benjamin Britten

[Roasted Swan]

This is what I have been listening to lately. Excellent performances of the two pieces I consider Ben's masterpieces (granted that there's so much I haven't yet heard).

The Britten Quartet didn't last that long as an ensemble but just about every disc they made was tremendous.  I can't speak with any authority on these particular performances - I know them and do like them.

[Mandryka]

Looking for music whch kind of sounds a bit like it's by Britten but isn't? Look no further. David Froom's (first two) Amichai Songs

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?app=desktop&list=PL07W8yTJoV5oX28RglQpyg-9TUbhInLvV

https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7962046--music-of-david-froom

[Roasted Swan]

Rather excited to pick up in a local Charity Shop yesterday a complete study score of "A Midsummer Night's Dream"  All the more so since it is signed Toby Robertson on the inside front cover.  As far as Google can tell me it looks like Toby Robertson was a theatre director who did a well-regarded staging of the work for Scottish Opera back in the early 70's.  From various stage directions scribbled through this score I'm assuming it was his working copy of the score for that production.  This is not one of the Britten operas I know at all well - even though I have a couple of recordings - so this is prompting me to listen/follow and hopefully enjoy.......

[pjme]

It is a magical score! 

This  Festival d'Aix-en-Provence and Opéra national de Lyon production is a feast for the eyes (and the ears).

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Rather excited to pick up in a local Charity Shop yesterday a complete study score of "A Midsummer Night's Dream"  All the more so since it is signed Toby Robertson on the inside front cover.  As far as Google can tell me it looks like Toby Robertson was a theatre director who did a well-regarded staging of the work for Scottish Opera back in the early 70's.  From various stage directions scribbled through this score I'm assuming it was his working copy of the score for that production.  This is not one of the Britten operas I know at all well - even though I have a couple of recordings - so this is prompting me to listen/follow and hopefully enjoy.......

Oh, neat!

I found this obit in the Guardian which you (if you haven't already found it) and perhaps others might enjoy reading: 

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2012/jul/08/toby-robertson

PD

[Roasted Swan]

Oh, neat!

I found this obit in the Guardian which you (if you haven't already found it) and perhaps others might enjoy reading: 

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2012/jul/08/toby-robertson

PD

Thankyou - yes I read that one too (although it doesn't mention the Britten).  But the Prospect Theatre Company was very famous in its day and - as the actor roster suggests - packed with talent.  Not sure the British Arts Council of 2024 would deign to support such 'fringe' enterprises however...........

https://www.edinburghmusicreview.com/blog/midsummer-nights-dream

[Mandryka]

This deserves a place here

[Iota]

Quite a coincidence, I was thinking about that video only yesterday, after having not thought about it for years! It was prompted by my remembering the Beethoven one he did (I've been listening to a lot of Beethovenian perfect cadences in the last few days ..).
Both the Britten/Weill and Beethoven are brilliant, and 'Dud' a unique talent. I can't think of any one else who could have done that (can't imagine Victor Borges taking on Britten ..) and on top of being hilarious, his clear love for the objects of his spoofs, give them a quite touching frisson of affection.

The Beethoven here.

[Roasted Swan]

This deserves a place here

Genuine genius - and all the more brilliantly for simultaneously spoofing Peter Pears' laboured vocal style.  Hard not to think though that if anyone tried something similar these days the cultural references would fly over the audience's collective heads.  I don't say that with any kind of snobbery just bald statement of fact.....

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Dudley Moore was definitely a very clever and talented guy. 

PD

[Symphonic Addict]

To be released on November 1st (if JPC maintains that date):



Good to have another recording of this colourful ballet.

[kyjo]

To be released on November 1st (if JPC maintains that date):



Good to have another recording of this colourful ballet.

Definitely! It's been too long since I've listened to this, one of the least-known of Britten's masterpieces.