Best

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The cantata Rejoice in the Lamb is one of Britten's--and the 20th century's--most original and affecting choral works. The text, by 18th-century poet Christopher Smart, is quirky and naïve but brilliantly imaginative; and Britten's music perfectly upholds and enhances the imagery, evokes the various moods, and complements the very colorful language. The choral variations A Boy Was Born is an early work that in its concept, structure, and development of ideas is a fully mature masterpiece. "The Wedding Anthem," written for the marriage of two friends in 1949, is one of Britten's least-performed and -recorded works--unjustly so, considering its universal theme and its first-rate music. These performances are among the best on disc, although some listeners may find the pace of Rejoice in the Lamb a bit too deliberate. --David Vernier

Tracks:

Rejoice In The Lamb op.30: Chorus
Rejoice In The Lamb op.30: Soprano Solo
Rejoice In The Lamb op.30: Alto Solo
Rejoice In The Lamb op.30: Tenor Solo
Rejoice In The Lamb op.30: Chorus
Rejoice In The Lamb op.30: Bass Solo & Chorus
Rejoice In The Lamb op.30: Bass Solo & Chorus
Rejoice In The Lamb op.30: Bass Solo & Chorus
A Wedding Anthem (Amo Ergo Sum) op. 46
Festival Te Deum op.32
A Boy Was Born op.3: A Boy Was Born - Theme
A Boy Was Born op.3: A Boy Was Born - Variation I - Lullay, Jesu
A Boy Was Born op.3: A Boy Was Born - Variation II - Herod
A Boy Was Born op.3: A Boy Was Born - Variation III - Jesu, As Though Art Our Saviour
A Boy Was Born op.3: A Boy Was Born - Variation IV - The Three Kings
A Boy Was Born op.3: A Boy Was Born - Variation V - In the Bleak Mid-Winter
A Boy Was Born op.3: A Boy Was Born - Variation VI (Finale) - Noel!

Amazon.com

The cantata Rejoice in the Lamb is one of Britten's--and the 20th century's--most original and affecting choral works. The text, by 18th-century poet Christopher Smart, is quirky and naïve but brilliantly imaginative; and Britten's music perfectly upholds and enhances the imagery, evokes the various moods, and complements the very colorful language. The choral variations A Boy Was Born is an early work that in its concept, structure, and development of ideas is a fully mature masterpiece. "The Wedding Anthem," written for the marriage of two friends in 1949, is one of Britten's least-performed and -recorded works--unjustly so, considering its universal theme and its first-rate music. These performances are among the best on disc, although some listeners may find the pace of Rejoice in the Lamb a bit too deliberate. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-07-04

The four pieces recorded here span the years from 1933 to 1949 of Brittens' working years. The accompaniment demands were modest, requiring at most an organ to support the choir and to add a touch of color to the music. "A Boy is Born" is the earliest and the most elaborate on this disc and is for unaccompanied four-part chorus. I found myself drawn to "Rejoice in the Lamb" because of its unusual text which was written by Christopher Smart who was confined to an asylum when he wrote the poem. Britten took Smart's religious symbolism and matched it with music designed to underline that symbolism. The music is quite exciting and the soloists do a skillful job of singing some very weird lyrics. For example, Michael Chance sings about mouse who has personal valour and a hospitable disposition. And he does his usual dramaticaly suitable renditon. It's great!!!!The Corydon singers are excellent: clear, precise well-defined diction; lush sonorus tone quality; AND the sopranos had that lovely ethereal sound that many choirs never seem to achieve. All the selections are well done and definately "a la Britten".

Refreshing.......2003-07-05

This is a marvelous recording of some of Britten's choral works. I was, however, a little underwhelmed by "Rejoice in the Lamb," as I felt some of the tempi to be too slow, and much of the style with which the choir preformed to be sterile. The remainder of the CD, containing the "Wedding Anthem," "Festival Te Deum." and "A Boy was Born" were all very fine interpretations. The whole-tone scale beginning of the "Wedding Anthem" absolutely took my breath away. This is a very enjoyable recording.

Superb & intriguing in every way.......2002-08-02

This has become one of my favorite CDs of any style.
The subtle, carefully recorded pieces by Britten on this recording are all first rate and are also fascinating. For example, one piece uses poems about simple everyday animals like cats & mice to open up ones mind about the nature of God's character & creation. Very contemporary in arrangement, with a great deal of drama, but at other times with sincere, deeply felt worship. I would recommend this to anyone- listen with open ears to these 20th century gems, and absolutely perfect voices.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Love in a Trash Can [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]

Sie sangen im Prinzregententheater: Eine Dokumentation zum 100 Jahr-Jubiläum [Box set]

Renegades [Explicit Lyrics]

Laughing Barrel

Anyway [Import]

Rubenaughty

Rent [Cast Recording] [Karaoke]

Purcell: Theatre Music

Small Town England

On Stage

Romantic Rhapsody [Import]

Mi Linda Madrecita

Otra Vez [Import]

There's a Fungus Amung Us

Passport