Iestyn Davies and Mark Padmore

Britten's Five Canticles at the Wigmore Hall

Emily Owen, 7th December

Celebrating Britten’s centenary, tonight’s performance of his five canticles seemed particularly fitting. Written throughout his composing career, they are a testament to the composer’s affinity for poetry and skill at writing with particular performers in mind, and they provide an intimate commentary on Britten’s large-scale works.

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Britten, Benjamin (1913-1976)	Canticle I, My beloved is mine, for soprano or tenor and piano, Op.40
Britten, Benjamin (1913-1976)	Canticle II, Abraham and Isaac, Chester miracle play, Op.51
Britten, Benjamin (1913-1976)	Canticle V, The Death of Saint Narcissus, for tenor and harp, Op.89
Britten, Benjamin (1913-1976)	Canticle IV, The Journey of the Magi, for countertenor, tenor, baritone and piano, Op.86
Britten, Benjamin (1913-1976)	Canticle III, Still Falls the Rain, for tenor, horn and piano, Op.55

Iestyn Davies	Contratenor
Mark Padmore	Tenor
Marcus Farnsworth	Barítono
Julius Drake	Piano
Lucy Wakeford	Arpa
Richard Watkins	Trompa