Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1959

Average_duration

:

11:39

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Benjamin Britten's "Purcell Realizations from Orpheus Britannicus: Songs (5)" is a collection of five songs that he arranged from Henry Purcell's Orpheus Britannicus. The songs were composed in 1945 and premiered in the same year at the Wigmore Hall in London. The five songs in the collection are "Music for a While," "If music be the food of love," "I attempt from love's sickness to fly," "Fairest Isle," and "Sweeter than roses." Britten's arrangements of these songs are characterized by his use of modern harmonies and his ability to highlight the beauty of Purcell's melodies. The first song, "Music for a While," is a slow and melancholic piece that features a descending bass line and a haunting melody. Britten's arrangement adds a sense of tension to the piece through his use of dissonant harmonies. The second song, "If music be the food of love," is a lively and playful piece that features a catchy melody. Britten's arrangement adds a sense of whimsy to the piece through his use of unexpected harmonies and rhythms. The third song, "I attempt from love's sickness to fly," is a fast and virtuosic piece that features a challenging vocal line. Britten's arrangement adds a sense of urgency to the piece through his use of driving rhythms and intense harmonies. The fourth song, "Fairest Isle," is a slow and romantic piece that features a soaring melody. Britten's arrangement adds a sense of grandeur to the piece through his use of rich harmonies and lush orchestration. The fifth and final song, "Sweeter than roses," is a slow and tender piece that features a delicate melody. Britten's arrangement adds a sense of intimacy to the piece through his use of subtle harmonies and gentle dynamics. Overall, Britten's "Purcell Realizations from Orpheus Britannicus: Songs (5)" is a beautiful and innovative collection of songs that showcases his skill as an arranger and his love for Purcell's music.

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