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Alwyn: Miss Julie / Oramo, BBC Symphony
Chandos

Alwyn: Miss Julie / Oramo, BBC Symphony

$21.98
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Details

Composer
ALWYN, WILLIAM
Artist
Patalong, Aldridge, Sakker, Nelson, Oramo
Format
SACD
Label
Chandos
Released
Jul 03, 2020
Catalog #
CHSA 5253(2)
UPC
095115525326

About

‘Why has this intense, brilliantly orchestrated, claustrophobically gripping masterpiece been so neglected since its 1977 premiere?’ asked Richard Morrison in The Times of the concert performance in the Barbican that preceded this recording.

Miss Julie is Alwyn’s last large-scale work, written in 1973-76. Alwyn set his own libretto, based on Strindberg’s 1888 play of the same title. The naturalistic drama and lifelike characters of that play appealed to Alwyn from an early age – in fact, he previously attempted to compose an opera on Miss Julie in the 1950s. That attempt failed because of differences with his then-librettist, Christopher Hassall. Alwyn believed that in opera, the action should be self-explanatory, arias should serve a dramatic purpose (as opposed to sheer vocal display), characters should sing to each other and not to the audience, ensembles should be minimized and the text should be set to vocal lines that reflect natural speech patterns. These views were distilled over his extensive career as a film composer, which taught him that music could do more than establish characterization, suggest mood, and heighten atmosphere: in some cases it could also communicate the unspoken thoughts of an onscreen character even when these were at odds with what he or she was presenting visually.

Sakari Oramo and the BBC Symphony Orchestra support an outstanding cast featuring Anna Patalong in the title role in this acclaimed revival of Alwyn’s neglected masterpiece.

REVIEW:

Alwyn’s orchestral writing is always characterful, his vocal lines are unfailingly singable. Though his richly coloured writing reveals a whole range of 20th-century influences – Strauss, Janácek, and Ravel especially – it’s the world of Puccini that’s most strongly evoked at the work’s dramatic flashpoints. Anna Patalong as Julie nailed her character’s dangerously unhinged brittleness from the start. Benedict Nelson as Jean, the valet with whom she is so desperate to run away, sings the role with tremendous verve.

– The Guardian (UK)

Tracklist 48 tracks

  1. Disc 1
  2. 1 Act I: Orchestral Introduction: Allegro, Valse Tempo - A tempo, grazioso - 01:04
    Track
    1
    Title
    Act I: Orchestral Introduction: Allegro, Valse Tempo - A tempo, grazioso -
    Duration
    01:04
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  3. 2 Act I: Miss Julie is crazy (Jean, Kristin) 01:36
    Track
    2
    Title
    Act I: Miss Julie is crazy (Jean, Kristin)
    Duration
    01:36
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Benedict Nelson, Rosie Aldridge
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  4. 3 Act I: But the Count (Kristin, Jean) 04:41
    Track
    3
    Title
    Act I: But the Count (Kristin, Jean)
    Duration
    04:41
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Rosie Aldridge, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  5. 4 Act I: By God, I'm thirsty! (Jean, Kristin) 03:18
    Track
    4
    Title
    Act I: By God, I'm thirsty! (Jean, Kristin)
    Duration
    03:18
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Benedict Nelson, Rosie Aldridge
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  6. 5 Act I: Kristin! Kristin, Kristin! (Miss Julie, Kristin, Jean) 02:28
    Track
    5
    Title
    Act I: Kristin! Kristin, Kristin! (Miss Julie, Kristin, Jean)
    Duration
    02:28
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Anna Patalong, Rosie Aldridge, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  7. 6 Act I: Well, I've travelled around (Jean, Miss Julie, Kristin) 04:28
    Track
    6
    Title
    Act I: Well, I've travelled around (Jean, Miss Julie, Kristin)
    Duration
    04:28
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Benedict Nelson, Anna Patalong, Rosie Aldridge
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  8. 7 Act I: There's a new dance starting (Miss Julie, Jean) 02:01
    Track
    7
    Title
    Act I: There's a new dance starting (Miss Julie, Jean)
    Duration
    02:01
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Anna Patalong, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  9. 8 Act I: You know why I came here tonight? (Miss Julie, Jean) 01:48
    Track
    8
    Title
    Act I: You know why I came here tonight? (Miss Julie, Jean)
    Duration
    01:48
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Anna Patalong, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  10. 9 Act I: Midsummer Night, O, night of magic (Miss Julie, Jean) 03:38
    Track
    9
    Title
    Act I: Midsummer Night, O, night of magic (Miss Julie, Jean)
    Duration
    03:38
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Anna Patalong, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  11. 10 Act I: I'm ready, Jean (Kristin) 00:34
    Track
    10
    Title
    Act I: I'm ready, Jean (Kristin)
    Duration
    00:34
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Rosie Aldridge
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  12. 11 Act I: Orchestral Introduction: Andante sostenuto (Poco adagio) - Poco più mosso (a tempo di valse) - Andante sostenuto - 02:32
    Track
    11
    Title
    Act I: Orchestral Introduction: Andante sostenuto (Poco adagio) - Poco più mosso (a tempo di valse) - Andante sostenuto -
    Duration
    02:32
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  13. 12 Act I: Kristin, Kristin … Kristin! (Jean, Miss Julie) 03:45
    Track
    12
    Title
    Act I: Kristin, Kristin … Kristin! (Jean, Miss Julie)
    Duration
    03:45
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Benedict Nelson, Anna Patalong
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  14. 13 Act I: Now you can kiss my hand (Miss Julie, Jean) 02:33
    Track
    13
    Title
    Act I: Now you can kiss my hand (Miss Julie, Jean)
    Duration
    02:33
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Anna Patalong, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  15. 14 Act I: That wouldn't do either (Jean, Miss Julie) 03:51
    Track
    14
    Title
    Act I: That wouldn't do either (Jean, Miss Julie)
    Duration
    03:51
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Benedict Nelson, Anna Patalong
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  16. 15 Act I: I have no time for dreams (Jean, Miss Julie) 02:02
    Track
    15
    Title
    Act I: I have no time for dreams (Jean, Miss Julie)
    Duration
    02:02
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Benedict Nelson, Anna Patalong
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  17. 16 Act I: Would you like me to dance (Miss Julie, Jean) 00:52
    Track
    16
    Title
    Act I: Would you like me to dance (Miss Julie, Jean)
    Duration
    00:52
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Anna Patalong, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  18. 17 Act I: Playing with fire (Jean, Miss Julie) 01:57
    Track
    17
    Title
    Act I: Playing with fire (Jean, Miss Julie)
    Duration
    01:57
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Benedict Nelson, Anna Patalong
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  19. 18 Act I: You don't know what it is to be poor (Jean, Miss Julie) 01:42
    Track
    18
    Title
    Act I: You don't know what it is to be poor (Jean, Miss Julie)
    Duration
    01:42
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Benedict Nelson, Anna Patalong
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  20. 19 Act I: But you can rise, Jean (Miss Julie, Jean) 01:55
    Track
    19
    Title
    Act I: But you can rise, Jean (Miss Julie, Jean)
    Duration
    01:55
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Anna Patalong, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  21. 20 Act I: A lady went a-roaming (Ulrik, Jean) 03:00
    Track
    20
    Title
    Act I: A lady went a-roaming (Ulrik, Jean)
    Duration
    03:00
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Samuel Sakker, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  22. 21 Act I: She's the queen of the dance (Ulrik, Jean) 01:52
    Track
    21
    Title
    Act I: She's the queen of the dance (Ulrik, Jean)
    Duration
    01:52
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Samuel Sakker, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  23. 22 Act I: You can come out now (Jean, Miss Julie) 01:51
    Track
    22
    Title
    Act I: You can come out now (Jean, Miss Julie)
    Duration
    01:51
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Benedict Nelson, Anna Patalong
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  24. 23 Act I: I know, I know … (Jean, Miss Julie) 04:02
    Track
    23
    Title
    Act I: I know, I know … (Jean, Miss Julie)
    Duration
    04:02
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Benedict Nelson, Anna Patalong
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  25. 24 Act I: I can't, not while we're still in this house (Jean, Miss Julie) 03:15
    Track
    24
    Title
    Act I: I can't, not while we're still in this house (Jean, Miss Julie)
    Duration
    03:15
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Benedict Nelson, Anna Patalong
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  26. Disc 2
  27. 1 Act II: Orchestral Introduction: Lento - Allegro non troppo - Poco più mosso - Lento ma non troppo - 02:37
    Track
    1
    Title
    Act II: Orchestral Introduction: Lento - Allegro non troppo - Poco più mosso - Lento ma non troppo -
    Duration
    02:37
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  28. 2 Act II: Never again! (Jean, Miss Julie) 03:32
    Track
    2
    Title
    Act II: Never again! (Jean, Miss Julie)
    Duration
    03:32
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Benedict Nelson, Anna Patalong
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  29. 3 Act II: Now don't lose your head (Jean, Miss Julie) 03:34
    Track
    3
    Title
    Act II: Now don't lose your head (Jean, Miss Julie)
    Duration
    03:34
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Benedict Nelson, Anna Patalong
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  30. 4 Act II: Scum on the surface of water (Miss Julie, Jean) 03:20
    Track
    4
    Title
    Act II: Scum on the surface of water (Miss Julie, Jean)
    Duration
    03:20
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Anna Patalong, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  31. 5 Act II: If you want me again (Miss Julie, Jean) 04:06
    Track
    5
    Title
    Act II: If you want me again (Miss Julie, Jean)
    Duration
    04:06
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Anna Patalong, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  32. 6 Act II: If I only had enough money (Jean, Miss Julie) 02:35
    Track
    6
    Title
    Act II: If I only had enough money (Jean, Miss Julie)
    Duration
    02:35
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Benedict Nelson, Anna Patalong
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  33. 7 Act II: You sound so cruel, Jean (Miss Julie, Jean) 01:36
    Track
    7
    Title
    Act II: You sound so cruel, Jean (Miss Julie, Jean)
    Duration
    01:36
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Anna Patalong, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  34. 8 Act II: Orchestral Interlude: Allegro precipitoso - Poco meno mosso, ma sempre allegro - 00:59
    Track
    8
    Title
    Act II: Orchestral Interlude: Allegro precipitoso - Poco meno mosso, ma sempre allegro -
    Duration
    00:59
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  35. 9 Act II: Has she gone? (Kristin, Jean) 00:47
    Track
    9
    Title
    Act II: Has she gone? (Kristin, Jean)
    Duration
    00:47
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Rosie Aldridge, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  36. 10 Act II: Whatever you say, I know you were here with the mistress (Kristin, Jean) 01:38
    Track
    10
    Title
    Act II: Whatever you say, I know you were here with the mistress (Kristin, Jean)
    Duration
    01:38
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Rosie Aldridge, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  37. 11 Act II: Class is class, and don't you forget it (Kristin, Jean) 01:22
    Track
    11
    Title
    Act II: Class is class, and don't you forget it (Kristin, Jean)
    Duration
    01:22
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Rosie Aldridge, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  38. 12 Act II: We'll get married (Kristin, Jean) 01:02
    Track
    12
    Title
    Act II: We'll get married (Kristin, Jean)
    Duration
    01:02
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Rosie Aldridge, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  39. 13 Act II: A pretty domestic scene! (Ulrik, Jean, Kristin) 01:05
    Track
    13
    Title
    Act II: A pretty domestic scene! (Ulrik, Jean, Kristin)
    Duration
    01:05
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Samuel Sakker, Benedict Nelson, Rosie Aldridge
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  40. 14 Act II: I knew I was right! (Kristin, Ulrik, Jean) 01:40
    Track
    14
    Title
    Act II: I knew I was right! (Kristin, Ulrik, Jean)
    Duration
    01:40
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Rosie Aldridge, Samuel Sakker, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  41. 15 Act II: There's someone upstairs (Kristin, Jean, Ulrik) 01:45
    Track
    15
    Title
    Act II: There's someone upstairs (Kristin, Jean, Ulrik)
    Duration
    01:45
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Rosie Aldridge, Benedict Nelson, Samuel Sakker
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  42. 16 Act II: I'm ready now, Jean (Miss Julie, Jean, Ulrik) 02:07
    Track
    16
    Title
    Act II: I'm ready now, Jean (Miss Julie, Jean, Ulrik)
    Duration
    02:07
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Anna Patalong, Rosie Aldridge, Samuel Sakker
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  43. 17 Act II: What the devil is that? (Jean, Miss Julie, Ulrik) 01:51
    Track
    17
    Title
    Act II: What the devil is that? (Jean, Miss Julie, Ulrik)
    Duration
    01:51
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Benedict Nelson, Anna Patalong, Samuel Sakker
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  44. 18 Act II: He's killed her, killed her! (Miss Julie, Kristin, Jean) 02:33
    Track
    18
    Title
    Act II: He's killed her, killed her! (Miss Julie, Kristin, Jean)
    Duration
    02:33
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Anna Patalong, Rosie Aldridge, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  45. 19 Act II: You're mad! You're both mad! (Kristin, Jean, Miss Julie) 04:55
    Track
    19
    Title
    Act II: You're mad! You're both mad! (Kristin, Jean, Miss Julie)
    Duration
    04:55
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Rosie Aldridge, Benedict Nelson, Anna Patalong
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  46. 20 Act II: Well, Well! So you're going to elope (Kristin, Jean) 01:15
    Track
    20
    Title
    Act II: Well, Well! So you're going to elope (Kristin, Jean)
    Duration
    01:15
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Rosie Aldridge, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  47. 21 Act II: The Count's back (Jean, Kristin, Miss Julie) 01:09
    Track
    21
    Title
    Act II: The Count's back (Jean, Kristin, Miss Julie)
    Duration
    01:09
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Benedict Nelson, Rosie Aldridge, Anna Patalong
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  48. 22 Act II: You can go, but I can't (Jean, Miss Julie) 03:56
    Track
    22
    Title
    Act II: You can go, but I can't (Jean, Miss Julie)
    Duration
    03:56
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Benedict Nelson, Anna Patalong
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  49. 23 Act II: I must be dreaming (Miss Julie, Jean) 02:30
    Track
    23
    Title
    Act II: I must be dreaming (Miss Julie, Jean)
    Duration
    02:30
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Anna Patalong, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo
  50. 24 Act II: Kiss me … before I go! (Miss Julie, Jean) 01:58
    Track
    24
    Title
    Act II: Kiss me … before I go! (Miss Julie, Jean)
    Duration
    01:58
    Composer
    William Alwyn
    Performer
    Anna Patalong, Benedict Nelson
    Ensemble
    BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Conductor
    Sakari Oramo