The 10-disc compilation If Music Be the Food of Love is packaged as a tribute to the relationship of composer Benjamin Britten and tenor Peter Pears, which lasted more than 40 years, until the composer’s death. Artistically as well as personally, theirs was a symbiotic relationship. Pears was the inspiration for virtually all of the leading tenor roles in Britten’s mature operas and most of his solo vocal works, and the music Britten wrote for him established Pears in an international career he might not have had otherwise because of the distinctive and somewhat unconventional timbre of his voice. The music Britten wrote for Pears and Pears’ performances of it are among the musical highlights of the mid 20th century. The generous compilation includes a representative and varied sampling of their collaborations (plus several purely instrumental works) from early in their careers, the latest work being The Turn of the Screw from 1954, and the latest recording from 1956.
CD 1
1. Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: Introduction
2. Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: The Birth Of Nicolas
3. Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: Nicolas Devotes Himself To God
4. Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: He Journeys To Palestine
5. Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: Nicolas Comes To Myra And Is Chosen Bishop
6. Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: Nicolas From Prison
7. Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: Nicolas And The Pickled Boys
8. Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: His Piety And Marvellous Works
9. Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: The Death Of Nicolas
Peter Pears/David Hemmings/Ralph Downes/Girls Choir of Sir John Leman School/Boys Choir of Ipswich/Aldeburgh Festival Choir and Orchestra/Benjamin Britten
CD 2
1. A Ceremony Of Carols, Op. 28: 1. Procession
2. A Ceremony Of Carols, Op. 28: 2. Wolcum Yole
3. A Ceremony Of Carols, Op. 28: 3. There Is No Rose
4. A Ceremony Of Carols, Op. 28: 4a. That Yonge Child
5. A Ceremony Of Carols, Op. 28: 4b. Balulalow
6. A Ceremony Of Carols, Op. 28: 5. As Dew In Aprille
7. A Ceremony Of Carols, Op. 28: 6. This Little Babe
8. A Ceremony Of Carols, Op. 28: 7. Interlude
9. A Ceremony Of Carols, Op. 28: 8. In Freezing Winter Night
10. A Ceremony Of Carols, Op. 28: 9. Spring Carol
11. A Ceremony Of Carols, Op. 28: 10. Deo Gracias Adam Lay Ibounden
12. A Ceremony Of Carols, Op. 28: 11. Recession
Copenhagen Boys Choir/Enid Simon/Benjamin Britten
13. A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: A Boy Was Born
14. A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation 1. Lullaby, Jesu
15. A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation 2. Herod
16. A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation 3. Jesu, As Thou Art Our Saviour
17. A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation 4. The Three Kings
18. A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation 5. In The Bleak Mid Winter
19. A Boy Was Born, Op. 3: Variation 6. Finale Noel!
Purcell Singers/Boys Voices of English Opera Group/Choristers of All Saints/Benjamin Britten
CD 3
1. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 1. Scene 1. Rome Is Now Ruled By The Etruscan U
2. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 1. Scene 1. It Is An Axiom Among Kings
3. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 1. Scene 1. Here The Thirsty Evening
4. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 1. Scene 1. Who Reaches Heaven First
5. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 1. Scene 1. Maria Was Unmasked At A Masked Ball
6. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 1. Scene 1. Collatinus Is Politically Astute
7. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 1. Scene 1. There Goes A Happy Man!
8. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 1. Scene 1.Tarquinius Does Not Dare
9. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 1. Scene 1. My Horse! My Horse!… Tarquinius D
10. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 1. Scene 2. Their Spinning Wheel Unwinds
11. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 1. Scene 2. Listen! I Heard A Knock
12. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 1. Scene 2. Time Treads Upon The Hands Of Women
13. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 1. Scene 2. The Oatmeal Slippers Of Sleep
CD 4
1. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 2. Scene 1. The Prosperity Of The Etruscans
2. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 2. Scene 1. She Sleeps As A Rose
3. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 2. Scene 1. Within This Frail Crucible Of Light
4. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 2. Scene 1. Lucretia!… What Do You Want?
5. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 2. Scene 1. Interlude: Here In This Scene You S
6. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 2. Scene 1. Oh! What A Lovely Day!
7. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 2. Scene 1. We’ll Leave The Orchids For Lucreti
8. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 2. Scene 1. Flowers Bring To Every Year
9. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 2. Scene 1. You Were Right
10. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 2. Scene 1. Lucretia! Lucretia!
11. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 2. Scene 1. Last Night Tarquinius Ravished Me
12. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 2. Scene 1. This Dead Hand Lets Fall
13. The Rape Of Lucretia, Opera In Two Acts, Op. 37: Act 2. Scene 1. Epilogue: Is It All?
Lucretia: Kathleen Ferrier/Collatinus: Owen Brautigam/Male Chorus: Peter Pears/English Opera Group Orchestra/Reginald Goodall/Recorded 1946
CD 5
1. Billy Budd, Opera In Two Acts: Act 2. Scene 1. There You Are Again, Master At Arms
2. Billy Budd, Opera In Two Acts: Act 2. Scene 1. O This Cursed Mist!
3. Billy Budd, Opera In Two Acts: Act 2. Scene 2. Claggart, John Claggart, Beware!
4. Billy Budd, Opera In Two Acts: Act 2. Scene 2. Master At Arms And Foretopman
5. Billy Budd, Opera In Two Acts: Act 2. Scene 2. God O’mercy!
6. Billy Budd, Opera In Two Acts: Act 2. Scene 2. Great God! For What Reason?
7. Billy Budd, Opera In Two Acts: Act 2. Scene 2. William Budd, You Are Accused
8. Billy Budd, Opera In Two Acts: Act 2. Scene 2. Poor Fellow, Who Could Save Him?
Chorus and Orchestra of Royal Opera House Covent Garden/Benjamin Britten/recorded 1951
9. Peter Grimes Four Sea Interludes: Dawn
10. Peter Grimes Four Sea Interludes: Sunday Morning
11. Peter Grimes Four Sea Interludes: Moonlight
12. Peter Grimes Four Sea Interludes: Storm
13. Peter Grimes Passacaglia, Op. 33
Concergebouw/Eduard van Beinum
CD 6
1. Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra (Variations & Fugue On A Theme Of Purcell), Op. 34: Theme: Ful
2. Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra (Variations & Fugue On A Theme Of Purcell), Op. 34: Variations
3. Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra (Variations & Fugue On A Theme Of Purcell), Op. 34: Oboes
4. Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra (Variations & Fugue On A Theme Of Purcell), Op. 34: Clarinets
5. Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra (Variations & Fugue On A Theme Of Purcell), Op. 34: Bassoons
6. Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra (Variations & Fugue On A Theme Of Purcell), Op. 34: Violins
7. Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra (Variations & Fugue On A Theme Of Purcell), Op. 34: Violas
8. Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra (Variations & Fugue On A Theme Of Purcell), Op. 34: Cellos
9. Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra (Variations & Fugue On A Theme Of Purcell), Op. 34: Double Bas
10. Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra (Variations & Fugue On A Theme Of Purcell), Op. 34: Harp
11. Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra (Variations & Fugue On A Theme Of Purcell), Op. 34: Horns
12. Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra (Variations & Fugue On A Theme Of Purcell), Op. 34: Trumpets
13. Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra (Variations & Fugue On A Theme Of Purcell), Op. 34: Trombones
14. Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra (Variations & Fugue On A Theme Of Purcell), Op. 34: Percussion
15. Young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra (Variations & Fugue On A Theme Of Purcell), Op. 34: Fugue
Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra/Malcolm Sargeant/recorded 1946
16. The Little Sweep (Let’s Make An Opera), Op. 45: Sweep! Sweep!
17. The Little Sweep (Let’s Make An Opera), Op. 45: Sweep This Chimney
18. The Little Sweep (Let’s Make An Opera), Op. 45: Now, Little White Boy!
19. The Little Sweep (Let’s Make An Opera), Op. 45: Pull The Rope Gently Until He Is Free!
20. The Little Sweep (Let’s Make An Opera), Op. 45: Is He Wounded?
21. The Little Sweep (Let’s Make An Opera), Op. 45: Sooty Tracks
22. The Little Sweep (Let’s Make An Opera), Op. 45: Run, Poor Sweep Boy
23. The Little Sweep (Let’s Make An Opera), Op. 45: The Kettles Are Singing
24. The Little Sweep (Let’s Make An Opera), Op. 45: O Why Do You Weep
25. The Little Sweep (Let’s Make An Opera), Op. 45: Pantomime / Ah!… Blackguards!
26. The Little Sweep (Let’s Make An Opera), Op. 45: Help! Help! She’s Collapsed!
27. The Little Sweep (Let’s Make An Opera), Op. 45: The Owl, Wide Winging Through The Sky
28. The Little Sweep (Let’s Make An Opera), Op. 45: Soon The Coach Will Carry You Away
29. The Little Sweep (Let’s Make An Opera), Op. 45: Morning, Sammy! Lovely Weather
30. The Little Sweep (Let’s Make An Opera), Op. 45: Ready Alfred?
31. The Little Sweep (Let’s Make An Opera), Op. 45: Coaching Song: The Horses Are Champing
David Hemmings/Peter Pears/Nancy Thomas/English Opera Group Orchestra/Benjamin Britten/recorded 1956
CD 7
1. The Turn Of The Screw, Opera And Prologue In Two Acts: Act 1. Prologue
2. The Turn Of The Screw, Opera And Prologue In Two Acts: Act 1. Theme. Scene 1. The Journey
3. The Turn Of The Screw, Opera And Prologue In Two Acts: Act 1. Variation 1. Scene 2. The Welcome
4. The Turn Of The Screw, Opera And Prologue In Two Acts: Act 1. Variation 2. Scene 3. The Letter
5. The Turn Of The Screw, Opera And Prologue In Two Acts: Act 1. Variation 3. Scene 4. The Tower
6. The Turn Of The Screw, Opera And Prologue In Two Acts: Act 1. Variation 4. Scene 5. The Window
7. The Turn Of The Screw, Opera And Prologue In Two Acts: Act 1. Variation 5. Scene 6. The Lesson
8. The Turn Of The Screw, Opera And Prologue In Two Acts: Act 1. Variation 6. Scene 7. The Lake
9. The Turn Of The Screw, Opera And Prologue In Two Acts: Act 1. Variation 7. Scene 8. At Night
CD 8
1. The Turn Of The Screw, Opera And Prologue In Two Acts: Act 2. Variation 8. Scene 1. Colloquy And Sol
2. The Turn Of The Screw, Opera And Prologue In Two Acts: Act 2. Variation 9. Scene 2. The Bells
3. The Turn Of The Screw, Opera And Prologue In Two Acts: Act 2. Variation 10. Scene 3. Miss Jessel
4. The Turn Of The Screw, Opera And Prologue In Two Acts: Act 2. Variation 11. Scene 4. The Bedroom
5. The Turn Of The Screw, Opera And Prologue In Two Acts: Act 2. Variation 12. Scene 5. Quint
6. The Turn Of The Screw, Opera And Prologue In Two Acts: Act 2. Variation 13. Scene 6. The Piano
7. The Turn Of The Screw, Opera And Prologue In Two Acts: Act 2. Variation 14. Scene 7. Flora
8. The Turn Of The Screw, Opera And Prologue In Two Acts: Act 2. Variation 15. Scene 8. Miles
Peter Pears/Jennifer Vyvyan/David Hemmings/English Opera Group Orchestra/Benjamin Britten/recorded 1954
CD 9
1. Simple Symphony, Op. 4: 1. Boisterous Bour‚E
2. Simple Symphony, Op. 4: 2. Playful Pizzicato
3. Simple Symphony, Op. 4: 3. Sentimental Saraband
4. Simple Symphony, Op. 4: 4. Frolicsome Finale
Boyd Neel String Orchestra/recorded 1938
5. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10: 1. Introduction And Theme
6. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10: 2. Adagio
7. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10: 3. March
8. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10: 4. Romance
9. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10: 5. Aria Italiana
10. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10: 6. Bour‚E Classique
11. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10: 7. Wiener Waltz
12. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10: 8. Moto Perpetuo
13. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10: 9. Funeral March
14. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10: 10. Chant
15. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10: 11. Fugue
16. Variations On A Theme Of Frank Bridge, Op. 10: 12. Finale
Boyd Neel String Orchestra, recorded 1938
17. Pieces (2), Op. 23: 1. Introduction And Rondo Alla Burlesca
18. Pieces (2), Op. 23: 2. Mazurka Elegiaca
Clifford Curzon, piano/Benjamin Britten, piano/recorded 1944
CD 10
1. Seven Sonnets Of Michelangelo: 1. Sonnet 16
2. Seven Sonnets Of Michelangelo: 2. Sonnet 31
3. Seven Sonnets Of Michelangelo: 3. Sonnet 30
4. Seven Sonnets Of Michelangelo: 4. Sonnet 55
5. Seven Sonnets Of Michelangelo: 5. Sonnet 38
6. Seven Sonnets Of Michelangelo: 6. Sonnet 32
7. Seven Sonnets Of Michelangelo: 7. Sonnet 24
Peter Pears/Benjamin Britten/recorded 1942
8. Serenade For Tenor, Horn And Strings, Op. 31: 1. Prologue
9. Serenade For Tenor, Horn And Strings, Op. 31: 2. Pastoral
10. Serenade For Tenor, Horn And Strings, Op. 31: 3. Nocturne
11. Serenade For Tenor, Horn And Strings, Op. 31: 4. Elegy
12. Serenade For Tenor, Horn And Strings, Op. 31: 5. Dirge
13. Serenade For Tenor, Horn And Strings, Op. 31: 6. Hymn
14. Serenade For Tenor, Horn And Strings, Op. 31: 7. Sonnet
15. Serenade For Tenor, Horn And Strings, Op. 31: 8. Epilogue
Peter Pears/Dennis Brain/Boyd Neel String Orchestra/Benjamin Britten/recorded 1944
16. Folksong Arrangements, Vol. 1 British Isles: The Salley Gardens
17. Folksong Arrangements, Vol. 1 British Isles: Little Sir William
18. Folksong Arrangements, Vol. 1 British Isles: Oliver Cromwell
19. Folksong Arrangements, Vol. 1 British Isles: The Ash Grove
20. Folksong Arrangements, Vol. 1 British Isles: The Bonney Earl O’moray
21. Folksong Arrangements, Vol. 2 France: Heigh Ho, Heigh Hi!
22. Folksong Arrangements, Vol. 3 British Isles: Sweet Polly Oliver
23. Folksong Arrangements, Vol. 3 British Isles: There’s None To Soothe
24. Folksong Arrangements, Vol. 3 British Isles: The Plough Boy
25. Folksong Arrangements, Vol. 3 British Isles: Come You Not From Newcastle?
26. Folksong Arrangements, Vol. 3 British Isles: The Foggy, Foggy Dew
27. Folksong Arrangements, Vol. 3 British Isles: O Waly, Waly
Peter Pears/Benjamin Britten/recorded 1944-1947, 1950
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