Sacred & Profane

Britten, Layton - Sacred & Profane

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CD Details

Artist: Britten, Layton
Edition: Music CD
Format: Import, Limited Edition
CD Release Date: 2003-11-11
Music Label: Hyperion UK

Music reviews of Sacred & Profane

Music Review: A wonderful release
Rating: 5 Stars

This is a splendid disc of some truly marvelous music. None of it is, to be honest, really underrepresented on disc, but performances such as these deserve to be recorded and given wide circulation in any case. "Sacred and Profane" was Britten's last unaccompanied choral work (dating from 1975) and is truly outstanding. The performances are relatively quick, but rather than detracting from the sense of reflection it just increases the impact, especially in the last movement, "A death", which is as harrowing, unforgiving and profound as it could possibly be (with some glorious solo work).

The relatively early A Hymn to the Virgin is written in a sort of concerto gross style with a small group of soloists pitted against the full chorus, and it is not only beautifully sung; Layton also ensures greater separation between soloists and chorus than most competitors, to great effect. The familiar Five Flower Songs achieve an almost ethereal, transcendental impact, as do A.M.D.G.; maybe it is not as colorful as some other versions, but it is surely a most wonderful alternative. The Choral Dances from `Gloriana' and the Chorale after an Old French Carol are simply stunning.

It should perhaps be mentioned that the sound of Polyphony may not appeal equally to all. The sound is one of the most unified and clear I have heard from a choir, but some may complain that the wondrous sonorities are achieved at the expense of color. This is choral singing driven to perfection through unity, balance and harmonic clarity, and as such a wonder in itself. If that is what you seek, you can hardly find a better example than this disc of Britten masterpieces. The sound is clear and well-balanced as well; strongly recommended.

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