Search - Britten, Tomter :: Britten: Lachrymae

BESTRIDING BRITTEN

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 03/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As an introduction to Benjamin Britten [1913-1976], from simplest to complex--- and everything in between--- this Virgin Classics CD from 1995 is an altogether attractive issue, hands down. A compilation juxtaposing, chronologically, such intimate works as the Elegy for Solo Viola [1930], written when Britten was a mere teenager, played beautifully here by Lars Anders Tomter, with the composer's reflective and touching final work, Lachrymae, from 1976, with Tomter again as soloist, is rewarding in and of itself. However, add to this bountiful performances of the Simple Symphony [1933], with a particularly disarming, nostalgic "Sarabande," an expressive Prelude and Fugue [1943] and a dynamic, diverse and emotionally vibrant Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge [1937], and the boldness of the sum quite certainly equals the parts. Throughout, Iona Brown is admirably tender and impassioned, and coaxes some fetching sounds from the luminously responsive Norwegian Chamber Orchestra, whose obvious penchant for the composer is warm and deeply felt. The recording, too, is exemplary. This is Britten at his most haunting, beguiling and accessible.[Running time: 77:35]"

Heavenly Britten

Carlos Quintero | Caracas, Venezuela | 11/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
I'm not fond of everything composed by Britten, but this music for strings orchestra is really beautiful, and those marvelous performances by Mrs. Brown

are a real match for the composer's. A real gem from Britten's whole discography."