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.

Artists

Rachel Masters (harp), Brian Runnett (organ), Viola Tunnard (piano), Merlin Channon, Trevor Anthony (speaker), Owen Brannigan (bass), David Pinto (boysoprano), Darian Angadi (boysoprano), Stephen Alexander (boysoprano), Caroline Clack (soprano), Marie-Therese Pinto (soprano), Eileen O'Donovan (soprano), Sheila Rex (mezzo-soprano), Patricia Garrod (soprano), Margaret Hawes (soprano), Kathleen Petch (soprano), Gillian Saunders (soprano), Peter Pears (tenor), Barry Tuckwell (horn), Janine Jansen (violin), London Symphony Orchestra, English Chamber Orchestra, Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Choir of King's College Cambridge, Ladies From Cambridge University Choir, The Choir of St John’s Cambridge, London Symphony Chorus, Choir of Downside School, Purley, The Congregation, English Opera Group, Chorus Of Animals, Benjamin Britten, Stephen Cleobury, George Guest, George Malcolm, Norman Del Mar, Paavo Järvi