Benjamin Britten: Britten to America
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This collection of previously unrecorded radio and theatre music makes an unexpected postscript to the Britten centenary. Written for radio broadcasts and theatre before and after his departure for the US in 1939, it includes extrovert scores for two pre-war Auden/Isherwood plays and music for a wartime radio propaganda programme entitled An American in England.
This is minor and often unrecognisable Britten, with bits of blues, a Bach chorale, even a “Tibetan” chant, but it illustrates his resourcefulness and versatility, and helps complete the picture of his formative years.
Benjamin Britten
Britten to America
Hallé Orchestra, Ex Cathedra, Huw Watkins, Samuel West
(NMC)
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