On 10th January 1963 sessions were completed at London’s Kingsway Hall for this world premiere recording of Britten’s War Requiem. Sixty years later, Decca have made new high definition 24-bit/192 kHz transfers of the original quarter-inch stereo mastertapes at British Grove Studios. Conducted by the composer and featuring the three soloists for whom it was written, this still remains, for many, the definitive recording. The vinyl is cut to lacquer at half-speed at Abbey Road Studios, and this is the first LP release of the secret recording of Britten’s rehearsals for the War Requiem since the sole pressing gifted by Decca to Britten on his 50th birthday in November 1963. The truly expansive booklet includes excerpts from John Culshaw’s autobiography Putting the Record Straight; reminiscences from three of the original 1963 Decca recording crew; technical notes; detailed essays on the War Requiem and the recording sessions; and rare and new photographs.

New high definition 24-bit 192 kHz transfers of the original quarter-inch stereo mastertapes at British Grove Studios

Presented in deluxe SACD format

Lavishly illustrated and documented soft cover book, housed in a deluxe rigid slipcase, with sticker and onsert, presenting:

An introduction and technical note on the new transfers and HD remastering by Decca Classics Label Director & Reissue Producer Dominic Fyfe, including reminiscences from three of the 1963 Decca recording crew

Excerpts from John Culshaw’s 1981 autobiography Putting the Record Straight about the making of the recording

A facsimile of the original 1963 booklet with texts, translation, and John Culshaw’s commentary

Original session photographs and recently discovered curios including a facsimile of John Culshaw’s producer score