Bryden Thomson, Royal Scottish National Orchestra - Benjamin Britten: Les Illuminations, Quatre Chansons Françaises, Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings (1989)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 232 Mb | Total time: 58:55 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Chandos | # CHAN 8657 | Recorded: 1988
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 232 Mb | Total time: 58:55 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Chandos | # CHAN 8657 | Recorded: 1988
Les Illuminations was premiered by Sophie Wyss in 1939, but, as with much of Britten's work, has been colonised since by tenors. Here, it is a joy to hear Felicity Lott singing a soprano version. Her voice is in the full bloom of youth, and she sings with a thrilling freshness and verve, entirely in keeping with the mood of excitement. There are many delicious moments – how wittily she confides "Des drôles trés solides" in Parade, and explodes with an ecstatic "J'ai seul la clef de cette parade sauvage !" echoing the sole phrase in the opening fanfare, but with a completely different tone. When the same phrase appears again, in Interlude, she sings it in yet another way, echoing the instrumental colouring around it.