Classical Music: Benjamin Britten The Prince Of The Pagodas

Benjamin Britten The Prince of the Pagodas, ballet in three acts

Hallé
Conductor: Kahchun Wong
Leader: Roberto Ruisi

Hallé CDHLD7565 (2 CDs)
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This is one of Benjamin Britten’s finest scores, coming about after he had visited Bali with Peter Pears in 1956.

The sound of Balinese gamelan immediately captured Britten's attention. Britten used western instruments to imitate the sound: xylophone, gong, pianos, celesta, harp, cymbals, vibraphone, and cymbals.

Many people may not be familiar with this work, but the vibrant orchestration and The Hallé's interpretation captivated me.

Singaporean-born Kahchun Wong, The Hallé’s new principal conductor, captures the variety of this terrific score that demonstrates Britten’s skill at orchestration. The recording took place at Hallé St Peter's, Ancoats, Manchester.

Britten's masterful score vividly depicts the ballet's fantastical story of jealousy, magic and love, as presented in this recording by the Hallé musicians at the pinnacle of their craft. This recording of the complete The Prince of the Pagodas ballet, the first in over a decade, reflects Wong’s interest in Balinese Gamelan and the deep connection he made during his composition studies to the work of Britten. The music, as he puts it, "resonates deeply inside me."

This recording not only reflects Kahchun’s deep connection to Britten’s music but also includes the newly created The Prince of the Pagodas Suite, a result of his collaboration with Britten specialist and Hallé’s Composer Emeritus, Colin Matthews.

Tom Service interviewed Wong last Saturday for Saturday Morning, which is available on BBC Sounds.

Wong eloquently highlights each intricate detail with clarity and remarkable impact. An orchestra at the top of its game brilliantly portrays the colour with vibrancy and liveliness.

Compelling.