Grady Harp
| 03/08/2006 (5 out of 5 stars) The re-mastering of the works on this historically significant recording is so fine that they sound as clear and responsive as the best of today s engineering on recordings. And that is a feat! These recordings by Benjamin Britten were made form 1942 to 1944 when Britten was just coming into recognition as a major force in composing, conducting and performing as a pianist. And in some cases here are first recordings of come of his works as well as sole recordings of others. This CD is a collector s treat.
The CD opens with Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo with Britten at the piano accompanying the very young and stunningly perfect tenor Peter Pears, this work bring the first of many Britten wrote specifically for Pears. Pears voice is so fresh and musical that he is able to give these sonnets their full beauty. Following this is a work by Colin McFee and Britten, Music of Bali , in which they transcribe Balinese ceremonial music to