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Britten: The Masterpieces
The absolute essence of Britten, distilled into 4 generously-filled CDs. The objective is to give an insight into all the genres Brittens 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 lesser-interpreters are judged:
His orchestral masterpieces The Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra and the Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge are presented in Brittens 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 Kings 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 Jansens 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