Benjamin Britten Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge

Benjamin Britten
Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge op. 10:
I. Introduction and Theme (Lento Maestoso) 00:00
II. Adagio (1:54)
III. March (3:58)
IV. Romance (Allegretto grazioso4:57)
V. Aria Italiana (Allegro brillante6:23)
VI. Bourrée classique (Allegro e pesante*7:37)
VII. Wiener Walzer (Lento-Vivace8:50)
VIII. Moto perpetuo (Allegro molto11:18)
IX. Funeral March (Andante ritmico12:26)
X. Chant (Lento16:07)
XI. Fugue and Finale (Allegro molto vivace-Lento e Solenne17:41)
*Soloists:
Barry Griffiths, 1st violin
Ian Rhodes, 2nd violin
Andrew Williams, viola
Mats Lidström, cello
Royal Philarmonic Orchestra
Sir Charles Groves, conductor
Painting: Lucian Freud, Man’s Head (Self Portrait)

[@eepstein8001]

I love Britten more and more. Such a rare mix of accessibility with complete originality, mystery, and a sound like it was just written yesterday. I have been listening to this over and over again along with several of his other pieces as well. Thank you.

[@gwydionrhys7672]

A rather early piece in the context of Britten's career. Yet I think it's one of his greatest achievements: the musical material itself is subjected to many peculiar and fascinating (and in the case of the Aria Italiana, downright funny) treatments; and the orchestration is absolutely first-class throughout!

[@kevinmongrain4896]

This music introduced me to the beauty of symphonic music. Thank you Benjamin Britten!!!

[@viktormraz7076]

This is really brilliant. I can't get enough of it.

[@stephenhall3515]

Groves's recording is still the very best of this masterpiece -- even better than BB's own.
My theory is that the underrated genius conductor knew Bridge for a while when young and knew Britten. Because the Op.10 incorporated characteristics of Bridge, the man and Britten's main teacher, Groves picked up on that he brought something extra to the piece without clumsy emphases.
Where BB quotes phrases from works by Bridge Sir Charles gives them space to breathe, yet the recording is still of the average length for the work.
The ugly Freud picture is a distraction but we can't have everything just right.

[@doubleinstruments6453]

Thanks Benjamin from France

[@brycekendrick1]

A truly amazing creation, and a wonderful performance

[@MrVektriol]

Thank you very much for expressing your appreciation.

[@marta2004marta2004]

Fantastic. BB in his best

[@FILTHOUNDS]

absolutely amazing!!!!

[@michelelamonaca1458]

Che meraviglia

[@MrVektriol]

Grazie molte. Per l'umile uploader è un piacere ricevere un apprezzamento.

[@journeybymoonlight3216]

I use to ride my bike to this.

[@carltornell]

If ever, I would perhaps then wear a helmet.

[@rootsmoncom]

Fabulous music. Any ideas on the painter of the portrait?

[@MrVektriol]

Lucian Freud, Man's Head [Self Portrait]

[@rootsmoncom]

@@MrVektriol Thanks. I thought it may have been.

[@germainewarkentin3853]

At age 24. Unbelievable.

[@carltornell]

Some do excel at 24. Look at rock music. We're all different.

[@pulchralutetia]

@@carltornell I think I will do my greatest work when I am dead!

[@francoisemendousse-pineau6404]

admirable!

[@giovannismartini479]

5:55

[@CynicalBastard511]

Italian BMW 5-series commercial from 1996!

[@manuelfederici.composer]

Funeral march start at 14:24. There are a few mistakes

[@rrajcan]

Yes, maybe more, then few :)

[@steveegallo3384]

@@ilkinond -- Wow...Well-said....Eloquent yet not overly analytical! How may I get a copy of your doctoral dissertation? Thanks...and Greetings from México!

[@justincushner5136]

@@steveegallo3384 He's referring to the incorrect timestamps in the description of the video, not the orchestra's playing.

[@steveegallo3384]

@@thesedreamsarefree -- You're right....and I RETRACT my Snark!

[@steveegallo3384]

@@justincushner5136 -- You are correct, Justin....Thank you.

[@Emiliaespi]

.................

[@DepthUnchecked]

Le Meim

[@anthonywilks8221]

There is a piece of music of Britten's that I like, but this is not it.

[@philzmusic8098]

Let me guess . . . Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings?

[@davidgoulden5956]

What is the point of your comment, Wilks???

[@anthonywilks8221]

@@davidgoulden5956 I agree that it is inconsequential, but the same could apply to your reply. That said, a little civility would not go amiss, Mr Goulden.

[@davidgoulden5956]

@@anthonywilks8221 Still haven't answered my question, MR Wilks. Hard to conceive of a comment more inconsequential than yours.

[@anthonywilks8221]

@@davidgoulden5956 I agree. It was some time ago and perhaps I thought it was a good idea at the time, but not so good in retrospect. If I say it was an aberration, would that suffice? In any event, I have nothing further to say, to which you will, no doubt, be relieved.