Canticle V - The death of St Narcissus for tenor and harp, Op 8

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The last of Britten's five canticles was the first piece written by the composer following a major heart operation, which reflects the subdued, melancholy nature of the work. It is scored for voice and harp. The harp gives a mysterious, eerie quality with its dark, shadowy mood, and flowing arpeggi and staccato chords illustrate T. S. Eliot's complex text perfectly. Composer: Benjamin Britten Performer: Ben Johnson (Tenor) Performer: Lucy Wakeford (Harp) Recording date: 11 April 2012 Date of broadcast: 18 January 2013