Marco Scolastra, the pianist on this recording, studied with renowned pianists Aldo Ciccolini and Ennio Pastorino, and attended masterclasses with Joaquin Achucarro and Katia Labèque.
Composition History
Peter Pears, a tenor and Britten's partner, likely first suggested arranging English folksongs for concert encores.
Performer Biography
Mark Milhofer, the tenor on this recording, is known for his versatility, performing music from Rossini to Monteverdi, Mozart, and Britten.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Britten aimed to restore brilliance, freedom, and vitality to the musical setting of the English language, which he felt had been missing since the death of Purcell.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Britten believed that the chief attractions of English folksongs were the sweetness of their melodies, the close connection between words and music, and their quiet, uneventful charm.
Composer Biography
Benjamin Britten, the composer, left Britain as a Conscientious Objector before World War 2 and missed his homeland.
Compositional Technique
Britten's folk song arrangements are characterized by complex music, dynamic harmonic textures, startling dissonances, and carefully written polyphony, adding depth to the genre.
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