Bitter strength Music by Benjamin Britten - recommended by RON BIERMAN '... outstanding performances.'

This is a re-release of a recording originally issued by Collins Classics in 1990. It's an outstanding bargain at the Naxos price. The Collins release received strongly favorable reviews and a coveted Penguin rosette.

Though all three works were written by Britten when he was in his 20s, they contain a diverse cross-section of styles and moods because rebellion against his own nationalist influences was leading him to experiment with the music of other nations. Conversations with Aaron Copland and a visit to Canada clearly affected the Carnival Overture. It even features the folksy energy of a hoedown [listen -- track 1, 2:37-3:29] and Frere Jacque variations.

Continue >>

For help listening to the sound extracts here, please refer to our questions & answers page.