Britten's Curlew River from Blythburgh (Aldeburgh Festival)

[Pulcinella]

This looks like it's something that will be well worth watching when it gets transmitted on TV.

https://www.thetimes.com/article/eed62e15-7a9f-4e17-b58c-f0dec561bf06?shareToken=f001d193808e3032afa55a785da9b975

[Roger Webb]

This looks like it's something that will be well worth watching when it gets transmitted on TV.

https://www.thetimes.com/article/eed...a55a785da9b975

Thanks Pulcinella, we'll look forward to that...Babs' favourite Britten! We attended a late night Prom many years ago for a Curlew...I'm struggling to remember who the tenor was......ah, that's it, Mark Curtis.

When we go to Aldeburgh we always do a trip to Orford, to the church where the first Curlew was recorded, and a walk out through the reed beds....and ditto Blythburgh church.

[rauschwerk]

I was there and completely agree with the Times critic. Ian Bostridge's assumption of this role was complete, and he was wonderfully supported by the rest of the cast and the musicians.

[LMcD]

I was there and completely agree with the Times critic. Ian Bostridge's assumption of this role was complete, and he was wonderfully supported by the rest of the cast and the musicians.

There's a 1998 performance from Aix-en-Provence on YouTube, but I shall certainly keep an eye out for the broadcast of what was clearly a memorable occasion at Blythburgh.

[oliver sudden]

Speaking of YouTube and Orford and church parables (although not Curlew River), this splendid documentary is up again (it comes and it goes, or so the chaps tell me…)

https://youtu.be/nj_j-ZY7QCU?feature=shared

[Roger Webb]

Speaking of YouTube and Orford and church parables (although not Curlew River), this splendid documentary is up again (it comes and it goes, or so the chaps tell me…)

https://youtu.be/nj_j-ZY7QCU?feature=shared

The last time I watched this was in Mrs Hudson's (Pears and Britten's housekeeper) cottage 'Cozy Nook' in the grounds of the Red House in Aldeburgh!

[Mandryka]

Thanks Pulcinella, we'll look forward to that...Babs' favourite Britten! We attended a late night Prom many years ago for a Curlew...I'm struggling to remember who the tenor was......ah, that's it, Mark Curtis.

When we go to Aldeburgh we always do a trip to Orford, to the church where the first Curlew was recorded, and a walk out through the reed beds....and ditto Blythburgh church.

I was at that prom. I really like the opera.

[CallMePaul]

When were The Burning Fiery Furnace and The Prodigal Son last performed? Britten's recordings of these are now download only (unless in some mega-box) and I am not aware of any more recent ones on either CD or DVD.

[LMcD]

When were The Burning Fiery Furnace and The Prodigal Son last performed? Britten's recordings of these are now download only (unless in some mega-box) and I am not aware of any more recent ones on either CD or DVD.

One CD of The Burning Fiery Furnace available for only a few pounds from Music Magpie.
Amazon lists 5 Prodigal Sons - much more expensive!

[Pulcinella]

One CD of The Burning Fiery Furnace available for only a few pounds from Music Magpie.
Amazon lists 5 Prodigal Sons - much more expensive!

Including the Birmingham Touring Opera version, which was a BBC MM cover CD: over £100 new!

[Roger Webb]

When were The Burning Fiery Furnace and The Prodigal Son last performed? Britten's recordings of these are now download only (unless in some mega-box) and I am not aware of any more recent ones on either CD or DVD.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prodigal-Son-Benjamin-Britten/dp/B07C57RBZS

A bit pricey the new copy....for a giveaway CD!

[Pulcinella]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prodigal-Son-Benjamin-Britten/dp/B07C57RBZS

A bit pricey the new copy....for a giveaway CD!

Yes: that second listing is even more expensive new!
Not too bad s/h price though, but more likely cheaper still in a charity shop, though it's by no means a recent issue, so probably not often seen if at all.

My copy is signed by one of the singers (Quentin Hayes): I wonder if that would bump the price up even more (though it's not new).

[silvestrione]

It IS going to be on TV is it? Or R3?

[LMcD]

It IS going to be on TV is it? Or R3?

The BBC press release dated 26th February 2024 mentions 'a new TV film of Curlew River' - broadcast date yet to be confirmed.