The absolute essence of Britten, distilled into four generously-filled CDs. The objective is to give an insight into all the genres Britten’s music covered, to enable a serious newcomer to the composer to discover the great works.
Most of these versions are regarded as ‘reference’ recordings against which subsequent interpreters are judged:
His orchestral masterpieces The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra and the Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge are presented in Britten’s own revered interpretations.
The vocal masterpiece ‘Serenade for Tenor Horn and Strings’ is offered in the unsurpassed Peter Pears recording with Barry Tuckwell.
The Choir of King’s College Cambridge offers the essential choral masterpieces Ceremony of Carols and A Boy was Born, the early masterpiece from the 19-year-old prodigy.
Newer recordings include Janine Jansen’s lauded and best-selling interpretation of the Violin Concerto.
CD1
The Young Person s Guide to the Orchestra, Op.34
London Symphony Orchestra
Benjamin Britten
Simple Symphony, Op.4
English Chamber Orchestra
Benjamin Britten
Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge, Op.10
English Chamber Orchestra
Benjamin Britten
Four Sea Interludes from 'Peter Grimes', Op.33a
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Benjamin Britten
CD2
A Ceremony of Carols, Op.28
Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Rachel Masters (harp)
Stephen Cleobury
A Boy Was Born, Op.3
Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Ladies of Cambridge University Choir
Stephen Cleobury
A Hymn to the Virgin
Festival Te Deum, Op.32
Jubliate Deo in C
Choir of St John's College, Cambridge, Brian Runnett (organ)
George Guest
Hymn to St Cecilia, Op.27
London Symphony Chorus
George Malcolm
CD3
Songs from Friday Afternoons, Op.7
Choir of Downside School, Purley, Viola Tunnard (piano)
Benjamin Britten
Noye's Fludde, Op.59
Trevor Anthony, Owen Brannigan, Sheila Rex, English Opera Group Orchestra
Benjamin Britten
CD4
Les Illuminations, Op.18
Peter Pears (tenor), English Chamber Orchestra
Benjamin Britten
Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op.31
Peter Pears (tenor), Barry Tuckwell (horn)
London Symphony Orchestra
Benjamin Britten
Violin Concerto, Op.15
Janine Jansen, London Symphony Orchestra
Paavo Järvi
