Listen | Excerpts from Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes
The NJSO program Mar 7–10 features Britten’s Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes. Composer Benjamin Britten took four ideas from his gigantic and influential opera Peter Grimes and created snapshots of some of the most visceral music from the story. Have a listen to excerpts below that convey specific elements of this musical story:
First Interlude: “Dawn”
You can feel the sensation of the sun rising as sound fills the room like sunlight. Britten’s control of long melodies over the orchestral sound blocks have a welcoming result. Have a listen to the beginning and end of the movement:
Second Interlude: “Sunday Morning”
Rich and enrapturing, this is one of the most electrifying passages in the orchestral canon. This movement depicts the pure excitement of the town’s people on a Sunday morning. It’ll capture your attention immediately.
Third Interlude: “Moonlight”
This interlude is the thematic opposite of the “Dawn” interlude. It conveys nighttime with pensive delight. Smoothly restrained, the music is refreshing, but enriched with tension. Have a listen:
Fourth Interlude: “Storm”
The last interlude is gritty and enraged; Britten emulates a storm throughout. As the frantic—and sometimes sweeping—energy accumulates, the work concludes with a series of wallops.
You do not want to miss this edgy and beautiful music with the NJSO Mar 7–10!
Post by Michael Rosin