Britten / Hannigan / Gilchrist / Thompson Britten Super-Audio CD

2013 marks the centenary of the birth of composer Benjamin Britten, and this fascinating collection from Channel Classics features a selection of works that demonstrate perfectly his brilliant manner of writing for string orchestra, unique treatment of text and rich palette of musical colors. Amsterdam Sinfonietta, led by Candida Thompson, are joined by soprano Barbara Hannigan, tenor James Gilchrist and horn soloist Jasper de Waal in a program that includes Les Illuminations, the Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, the Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge and the rarely-heard Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal. Recorded in high-resolution surround-sound, this disc presents Britten's music in the finest audio quality available.

1. Fanfare - Barbara Hannigan/Amsterdam Sinfonietta 2. Villes - Barbara Hannigan/Amsterdam Sinfonietta 3. Phrase - Barbara Hannigan/Amsterdam Sinfonietta 4. Antique - Barbara Hannigan/Amsterdam Sinfonietta 5. Royaut? - Barbara Hannigan/Amsterdam Sinfonietta 6. Marine - Barbara Hannigan/Amsterdam Sinfonietta 7. Interlude - Barbara Hannigan/Amsterdam Sinfonietta 8. Being Beauteous - Barbara Hannigan/Amsterdam Sinfonietta 9. Parade - Barbara Hannigan/Amsterdam Sinfonietta 10. D?part - Barbara Hannigan/Amsterdam Sinfonietta 11. Introduction and Theme - Amsterdam Sinfonietta 12. Adagio - Amsterdam Sinfonietta 13. March - Amsterdam Sinfonietta 14. Romance - Amsterdam Sinfonietta 15. Aria Italiana - Amsterdam Sinfonietta 16. Bourr?e Classique - Amsterdam Sinfonietta 17. Wiener Walzer - Amsterdam Sinfonietta 18. Moto Perpetuo - Amsterdam Sinfonietta 19. Funeral March - Amsterdam Sinfonietta 20. Chant - Amsterdam Sinfonietta 21. Fugue and Finale - Amsterdam Sinfonietta 22. Prologue - Various Performers 23. Pastoral - Various Performers 24. Nocturne - Various Performers 25. Elegy - Various Performers 26. Dirge - Various Performers 27. Hymn - Various Performers 28. Sonnet - Various Performers 29. Epilogue - Various Performers 30. Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal, for Tenor, Horn and Strings - Various Performers