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Building a Library compares available versions of Britten's Les Illuminations and makes a recommendation.

Throughout his career, Britten's instinct was unerring when it came to choosing texts suitable to set to music. The 25-year-old Britten's selection of Rimbaud's poetry in Les Illuminations is a dazzling demonstration both of that and his equally sure touch for idiomatic vocal and instrumental writing. But although it quickly became the province of Peter Pears in particular and tenors in general, Les Illuminations was dedicated to and premiered by Sophie Wyss, marking the final flourish of Britten's love affair with the soprano voice. So who will 'have the key to this savage parade' - soprano or tenor?

Top Recommendation:

Britten: Les Illuminations

BRITTEN: Les illuminations Op. 18; Prelude & Fugue for 18 strings Op. 29; Variations on a theme of Frank Bridge Op. 10; Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal, for tenor, horn and strings

Karina Gauvin (soprano), Les Violons du Roy, Jean-Marie Zeitouni

ATMA ACD22601 (CD)

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