In this respect, the recording is for a worldly listener, one who would enjoy a variety of approaches from Benjamin Britten.
Even the two vocal works are rather different from one another. Phaedra is a harrowing Greek tragedy, while A Charm of Lullabies is made up of light folksy baubles.
Phaedra is most famously performed by Dame Janet Baker on Decca, and I would direct listeners to that one first. Sarah Connolly is a bit warmer, but still with plenty of anguish. While Charm of Lullabies is not all sunshine providing some poignant moments, generally it is more playful and populous sounding, musically speaking at least, beautifully colored by orchestra in Colin Matthews' version.
Lachrymae is a theme and variations based on a John Dowland song for strings and a viola soloist. I must admit, I often have trouble fully enjoying Britten's instrumental music, and Lachrymae is one of them. I immediately took to the opening tune oddly positioned in the bass, but what follows will take time for me to fully grasp. Many of Britten's 'Reflections' are gentle and airy with a touch of dissonance alongside the melancholy solo viola. Britten actually places the original Dowland 'theme' at the end of the variations, a unique and effective choice, even if I am not thrilled with Gardner's choice to have the BBC Symphony Orchestra playing the finale straight-toned and chamber-like.
Britten's Two Portraits allows Chandos to give Ukrainian violist Maxim Rysanov a chance to play some more on this program. Both 'portraits' are written for string orchestra, where the viola appears in the second portrait only. The composer uses a little motivic cell to completely permeate the first portrait, easily identifiable throughout, and presented almost as an orchestral etude. It may be a craggy little movement, but this listener's attention was easily held. The second portrait sounds like a melancholy folk tune to my ears, and I really like Britten's string setting.
I feel like I am in the world of Stravinsky or Hindemith in Britten's early-Opused Sinfonietta. I like the three contrasting sections Chandos has provided tracks for, and along with the Two Portraits, is an interesting effort from the composer. Akin to Lachrymae, I am not sure if I follow the middle theme and variations, but perhaps as absolute music, that isn't necessary.
What an interesting program Edward Gardner chooses to record with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. This is a nice variety of music from various points in Britten's compositional career, although I am not always sure the mix of vocal and purely-orchestral music will appeal broadly. In any case, this is all well played and recorded, with much to enjoy for the Britten curious.
Naxos has an album of Lachrymae with A Charm of Lullabies from Steuart Bedford, but with different extras for those wishing to compare. So too, Kent Nagano covered the rarer Two Portraits and Sinfonietta with some others, so there are many combinations depending on what a listener would like to explore from Britten. For me, I like this grab bag in fine Chandos sound.
Works
Phaedra (15.00)
A Charm of Lullabies (12.16)
Lachrymae (15.32)
Two Portraits (15.09)
Sinfonietta (14.45)
Soloists
Sarah Connolly, mezzo-soprano
Maxim Rysanov, viola
Performers
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Edward Gardner, conductor
Label: Chandos
Year: 2011
Total Timing: 73.18
I always need more time with Britten's orchestral music. Yet this is all very well played, so it will be easy to revisit and spend time with.
The vocal music is more up my alley, and Sarah Connolly does a nice job. As is usually the case, the Chandos sonics are pleasing.
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