Britten: The Masterpieces

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.<br><br>Most of these versions are regarded as reference recordings against which lesser-interpreters are judged:<br><br>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.<br><br>The vocal masterpiece Serenade for Tenor Horn and Strings is offered in the unsurpassed Peter Pears recording with Barry Tuckwell.<br><br>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.<br><br>Newer recordings include Janine Jansens lauded and best-selling interpretation of the Violin Concerto.<br><br>CD1<br>The Young Person s Guide to the Orchestra, Op.34<br>London Symphony Orchestra<br>Benjamin Britten<br><br>Simple Symphony, Op.4<br>English Chamber Orchestra<br>Benjamin Britten<br><br>Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge, Op.10<br>English Chamber Orchestra<br>Benjamin Britten<br><br>Four Sea Interludes from 'Peter Grimes', Op.33a<br>Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden<br>Benjamin Britten<br><br>CD2<br>A Ceremony of Carols, Op.28<br>Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Rachel Masters (harp)<br>Stephen Cleobury<br><br>A Boy Was Born, Op.3<br>Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Ladies of Cambridge University Choir<br>Stephen Cleobury<br><br>A Hymn to the Virgin<br>Festival Te Deum, Op.32<br>Jubliate Deo in C<br>Choir of St John's College, Cambridge, Brian Runnett (organ)<br>George Guest<br><br>Hymn to St Cecilia, Op.27<br>London Symphony Chorus<br>George Malcolm<br><br>CD3<br>Songs from Friday Afternoons, Op.7<br>Choir of Downside School, Purley, Viola Tunnard (piano)<br>Benjamin Britten<br><br>Noye's Fludde, Op.59<br>Trevor Anthony, Owen Brannigan, Sheila Rex, English Opera Group Orchestra<br>Benjamin Britten<br><br>CD4<br>Les Illuminations, Op.18<br>Peter Pears (tenor), English Chamber Orchestra<br>Benjamin Britten<br><br>Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op.31<br>Peter Pears (tenor), Barry Tuckwell (horn)<br>London Symphony Orchestra<br>Benjamin Britten<br><br>Violin Concerto, Op.15<br>Janine Jansen, London Symphony Orchestra<br>Paavo Järvi