This album pays tribute to composer Benjamin Britten, who will be commemorated in 2026, the 50th anniversary of his death. It was conceived by conductor Lawrence Foster who, with Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, showcases the British composer's impressionism tinged with post-Romanticism. The programme includes his sublime Illuminations, based on Rimbaud's poem, often performed by tenors but originally created by a soprano in 1940. Here, the young and very promising French soprano Julie Roset is the soloist, giving a very engaging performance. Another famous piece by Britten, Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, commissioned by the British Ministry of Education in 1945, is a set of variations on a theme by Purcell that showcases each family of instruments in the orchestra. Although the Sinfonia da requiem (1940) was commissioned by the Japanese government to celebrate the 2600th anniversary of the Mikado dynasty, Britten dedicated it to the memory of his parents. Finally, the Choral dances from Gloriana are taken from the opera-tribute to the Queen of England, who was crowned six days before the premiere on 8 June 1953.

Tracklist:

Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op. 34-Theme
Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op. 34-Variation a
Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op. 34-Variation E
Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op. 34-Variation I
Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op. 34-Variation J
Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op. 34-Variation L
Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op. 34-Variation M
Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell, Op. 34-Fugue
Illuminations, Op. 18-I. Fanfare
Illuminations, Op. 18-II. Villes
Illuminations, Op. 18-Iiia. Phrase
Illuminations, Op. 18-Iiib. Antique
Illuminations, Op. 18-V. Marine
Illuminations, Op. 18-VI. Interlude
Illuminations, Op. 18-VII. Being Beauteous
Illuminations, Op. 18-VIII. Parade
Courtly Dances from Gloriana, Op. 53A-March
Courtly Dances from Gloriana, Op. 53A-Corante
Courtly Dances from Gloriana, Op. 53A-Pavane
Courtly Dances from Gloriana, Op. 53A-Morris Dance
Courtly Dances from Gloriana, Op. 53A-Galliard
Courtly Dances from Gloriana, Op. 53A-La Volta
Courtly Dances from Gloriana, Op. 53A-Lively Marching Tempo
Sinfonia Da Requiem, Op. 20-I. Lacrymosa
Sinfonia Da Requiem, Op. 20-II. Dies Irae
Sinfonia Da Requiem, Op. 20-III. Requiem Aeternam

UPC: 3701624512265
Label: Alpha
Release Date: 5.22.26
Format: CD

Julie Roset - Britten (CD)