Britten's Short Stint with Film

 

Not dramatic film, though.

Instead, we are treated to Benjamin Britten's contributions to filmic documentaries.

I must admit I am not much of a documentary seeker. Something about those old projectors and film strips as a kid have forever ruined them for me.

That, and documentaries usually have a one-sided slant or personal message to convey, whereas I would like the raw information and draw my own conclusions.

In any case,  this 79-minute recording covers Britten's film scores for documentaries from between 1935 to 1936. Subjects range from post-related subjects, coal mining, railroads, gas and telephone companies, to the history of Britain's slave trade.

Some of the scores are purely orchestra, but more often than not, a narrator, singer, or chorus appears in this music. Most of the scoring seems to be for chamber ensembles, with a hearty preference for winds and percussion. There is a leanness to Britten's scoring, such as in The King's Stamp which revolves around a solo piano.

Perhaps expectedly, Negroes is the most exotic sounding, supporting the voyage from Senegal to Portugal to Britain, also leaning into the serious subject matter. On the other hand, When You're Feeling Like Expressing Your Affection is more akin to a commercial jingle, and the scores for Telegrams, Peace of Britain, and Men Behind the Meters are all rather brief.

I mentioned at the top that this recording nearly reaches 80 minutes of music, spread across 55 tracks. Most of these tracks range from 30 seconds to around 2 minutes in length, not often linked together as a complete musical whole. This affords a lot of variety, yet doesn't provide a lot of continuity for those looking for larger swathes of musical development.

Otherwise, the instrumentalist, vocalists, and choruses are all excellent. The narration could have been brought further in front of the instrumentalists, for in Night Mail, for example, Simon Russell Beale's patter song becomes occasionally lost amidst the musical din. Martyn Brabbins, however, somehow corrals all of these elements into rather fine performances. 

I doubt much of this music is readily available to hear, so kudos to NMC for their dedication to rare Britten. Additionally, substantial liner notes are given to each documentary, all of the narrated and sung texts are provided (although some of the tracks are put in the wrong place), plus each member of both choruses are listed within a 40-page booklet. Terrific!

 

 

 

Works
Night Mail (5.50)
The Tocher (9.32)
The King's Stamp (14.07)
Negroes (13.03)
The Way to the Sea (15.29)
Telegrams (2.30)
Peace of Britain (1.30)
Men Behind Bars (3.11)
Coal Face (11.47)
When You're Feeling (0.53)

Soloists
Mary Carewe, soprano
Daniel Auchincloss, tenor
Adam Green, baritone
Simon Russell Beale, narrator
Mike Flower, whistler

Malcolm Wilson, piano

Performers
King Edwards School Choir
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Chorus
Birmingham Contemporary Music Group
Martyn Brabbins, conductor

Label: NMC
Year: 2007
Timing: 78.55

 

 

 

 

All of the music here is attractive, if rather unmemorable. Britten doesn't relinquish his unique musical voice to conform to film, yet this isn't tough music by any means either.

One can't fault the gobs of performers involved in this project, for they all sound pert and alive in this music.

Not essential Britten, but certainly music most interesting to hear.