Description
EMERSON STRING QUARTET – Chaconnes and Fantasias: Music of Britten and Purcell CD
- UPC: 028948152049
- MPN: 481 5204
- Brand Name: Decca Gold / Universal Music Classics
- Product Type: Audio CD – Classical Chamber Music Album
- Artist: Emerson String Quartet
- Composers: Henry Purcell (1659–1695), Benjamin Britten (1913–1976)
- Genre: Classical / Chamber Music
- Style: Baroque, 20th-Century Modernism, String Quartet
- Country of Manufacture: EU
- Release Year: 2017
Overview
Chaconnes and Fantasias: Music of Britten and Purcell is a powerful and eloquent album by the Emerson String Quartet, released by Decca Gold (a division of Universal Music Classics) in 2017. The recording pays tribute to two towering figures in English music—Henry Purcell, the Baroque master of counterpoint, and Benjamin Britten, his modern successor and admirer.
The album explores how Britten’s 20th-century quartets were deeply inspired by Purcell’s contrapuntal brilliance and expressive depth. Featuring Britten’s String Quartets Nos. 2 and 3, alongside several of Purcell’s Fantasias and the Chacony in G Minor, this program reveals the timeless continuity of English musical expression. The Emerson String Quartet, celebrated for their precision and emotional insight, delivers performances of extraordinary clarity, nuance, and historical awareness.
Product Features
- Format: Audio CD
- Label: Decca Gold / Universal Music Classics
- Total Tracks: 13
- Total Duration: Approx. 70 minutes
- Performers: Emerson String Quartet
- Recording Year: 2016
- Release Year: 2017
- Producers: Universal Music Classics (UMG Recordings, Inc.)
- Packaging: Standard jewel case
- Made in: EU
Track Listing
- Purcell (arr. Britten): Chacony in G Minor, Z.730
- Purcell: Fantazia No. 6 in F Major, Z.737
- Purcell: Fantazia No. 8 in D Minor, Z.739 4–6. Britten: String Quartet No. 2 in C Major, Op. 36
- Purcell: Fantazia No. 10 in E Minor, Z.741
- Purcell: Fantazia No. 11 in G Major, Z.742 9–13. Britten: String Quartet No. 3 in G Major, Op. 94
Interesting Facts
- Baroque Meets Modern: This album bridges over 250 years of English music, connecting Purcell’s 17th-century imagination with Britten’s 20th-century innovation.
- Britten’s Homage: Britten frequently referenced Purcell as his greatest influence; his Second String Quartet was written to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Purcell’s death.
- Final Work: Britten’s String Quartet No. 3 was one of his last completed compositions, written shortly before his death in 1976—a reflective summation of his musical journey.
- Grammy-Winning Ensemble: The Emerson String Quartet, founded in 1976, has won multiple Grammy Awards and is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished chamber ensembles of its generation.
- Decca Gold Release: Issued on Decca Gold, Universal’s American classical label, the album exemplifies high production standards and artistic excellence.
Publishers
- Label: Decca Gold (Universal Music Classics, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc.)
- Production Year: © & ℗ 2017 Emerson String Quartet under exclusive license to Universal Music Classics.
- Rights: All rights reserved. Unauthorized copying, hiring, lending, public performance, and broadcasting prohibited. Made in the EU.
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