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Episode details

Radio 3,23 Jun 2020,16 mins

Canticle II - Abraham and Isaac for alto, tenor and piano, Op.51

Experience Classical

Available for over a year

Britten's 'Abraham and Isaac' was composed in 1952 and is part of his wider collection of five Canticles (a hymn or song which uses biblical text). This Canticle, second in the series is like a mini opera. The dramatically beautiful alto and tenor tightly harmonise while the piano holds a steady undertone. Composer: Benjamin Britten Performer: Ben Johnson (Tenor) Performer: James Baillieu (Piano) Performer: Chris Ainslie (Counter-tenor) Recording date: 11 April 2012 Date of broadcast: 15 January 2013

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