Here’s another excellent Britten program compiled by Naxos from the former Collins Classics catalog. These selections were last issued as the first half of a two-disc set, The Complete Orchestral Song Cycles, released in 1994. Although there are other superb versions of Les Illuminations–Lott’s own on Chandos is a top choice for soprano renditions–this one is equally good, with sharply defined, characterful accompaniments by Steuart Bedford and the ECO (always reliable caretakers of the Britten legacy), who perfectly match Lott’s playful, ardent, dramatic vocalism. (That high B-flat in “Phrase” and the subsequent delicate glissando never have been better sung.) The Quatre Chansons are as stylish and sonically vibrant–relishing the color of language and orchestral effects–as we remember, and again Lott is an ideal interpreter, consistently faithful to Britten’s unadorned expressive manner yet always aware of these songs’ (and their opera-composer creator’s) innately theatrical sensibility. Phyllis Bryn-Julson’s Our Hunting Fathers may not offer the degree of sturdy and powerful vocalism this often-savage, brutal work requires, but the orchestra is brilliant, and together the singer, instruments, and conductor give a respectable account of Britten’s edgy, vocally formidable Auden settings. As on the original releases, the sound is excellent. Britten fans who didn’t get these performances the first time around will grab this–an even better value now at Naxos’ rock-bottom price. [9/21/2004]
