Celebrating the work of Benjamin Britten, this album combines three of the composers enduringly popular, yet vastly distinctive works. Sir Simon Rattle leads us on an unexpected journey through this diverse collection of masterpieces.

Written shortly after the outbreak of World War II, Sinfonia da Requiem meditates in part on the political populism which had, for the second time in just a few decades, plunged the world in to an existential crisis. In this piece, Brittens rich, yearning harmonies reveal a sombre and dramatic warning of the cost of conflict.

From the darkness of war, we move towards the light with Brittens choral Spring Symphony. With its mysterious reimagining of traditional English folk song and verse, the work depicts the gradual reawakening of the natural world when winter ebbs away, and spring begins to triumph.

Britten let his imagination catch fire in The Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra. This brilliantly original showpiece is one of the composers best-known pieces, and draws the album to a close.

Composer Benjamin Britten
Conductor Sir Simon Rattle
Performers London Symphony Orchestra
Soloists Elizabeth Watts (soprano), Alice Coote (mezzo-soprano), Allan Clayton (tenor), London Symphony Chorus, Tiffin Boys Choir, Tiffin Childrens Chorus, The Tiffin Girls School Choir