In its first CD-release, the Simon Phipps Vocal ensemble performs music written entirely by the greatest English 20:th century composer, Benjamin Britten. This is a tribute to the composer whose music influenced Simon Phipps already at an early age; his father was Britten's agent. Britten's immensely rich and varied choral production is reflected on this CD that spans from beauty to drama. The CD contains some of the composer's most acknowledged compositions like A Hymn to the Virgin, Five Flower Songs and Hymn to Saint Cecilia, as well as the great suit Sacred and Profane with its vibrating vocals and racy medieval lyrics. It also contains the vocally challenging suit Choral Dances from the opera Gloriana. Enjoy Britten's music performed by Simon Phipps' excellent Vocal ensemble on this edition of Benjamin Britten's choral music. |