Britten

Barbara Hannigan (soprano), James Gilchrist (tenor), Jasper de Waal (horn) & Amsterdam Sinfonietta, Candida Thompson

Britten
 Les illuminations, Op. 18
 w/Barbara Hannigan (soprano)

 Variations on a theme of Frank Bridge, Op. 10
 Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31
 w/James Gilchrist (tenor) & Jasper de Waal (horn)

 Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal, for tenor, horn and strings
 w/James Gilchrist (tenor) & Jasper de Waal (horn)

In 2013 it is exactly one hundred years ago that the English genius Benjamin Britten was born. Britten’s brilliant manner of writing for string orchestra, his unique treatment of text, and his rich repertory of musical colours are all abundantly clear from the masterpieces featured on this recording. Besides the excellent soprano Barbara Hannigan, who sparkles in ‘Les Illuminations’, tenor James Gilchrist and hornist Jasper de Waal deliver an impressive contribution to this production with Amsterdam Sinfonietta.

The orchestra herself indulges in all imaginable techniques, colours and dynamic extremes that Britten releases from his box of tricks for string orchestra. Amsterdam Sinfonietta is an ensemble of 22 gifted musicians from around the world. The group performs without conductor, under the direction of Candida Thompson, artistic director since 2003. The ensemble’s defining feature is the strong involvement and artistic drive of each individual member. The group has gained a reputation for its distinguished performances and innovative programming.

Amsterdam Sinfonietta collaborates with renowned artists and performs in major venues around throughout the world. In the last seasons the group toured Europe, China, the US and Australia.

"Hannigan brings a fined-down intensity to the more hushed Rimbaud settings such as 'Being Beauteous', but elsewhere her tone tends to flutter under pressure...Gilchrist, by contrast, sounds at home in the Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings...and while his slightly reedy timbre sounds very different to Peter Pears, he brings equally valid insights into this iconic cycle."
BBC Music Magazine - April 2013 ***