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The Fourth 'B'?

Composer of the Week Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
Episode 1 of 5

Donald Macleod explores the early musical life of Benjamin Britten.

Donald Macleod explores the early musical life of Benjamin Britten.

As a child, Britten’s mother was certain of his destiny: he would be a musician, and not just an ordinary musician. A childhood friend recalled that β€œquite often we would talk about the 3 B’s… Bach, Beethoven and Brahms.”

Edith was determined that her son Benjamin should become the 4th β€˜B’.

Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge
LSO String Ensemble
Roman Simovic, conductor

Phantasy Quartet
Endellion Quartet

Nocturne (On This Island)
Barbara Bonney, soprano
Malcolm Martineau, piano

Ballad of Heroes
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Simon Rattle, conductor

Suite for Violin and Piano
Tamsin Little, violin
Piers Lane, piano

Hymn to St Cecilia
Voces8

59 minutes

Last on

Mon 28 Jun 2021 12:00
ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3

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Music Played

  • Benjamin Britten

    Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge, Op 10 (Variations 7 & 8)

    Performer: London Symphony Orchestra String Ensemble. Conductor: Roman Simović.
    • LSO LIVE : LSO-0792.
    • LSO LIVE.
    • 10.

  • Benjamin Britten

    Phantasy, Op 2

    Performer: Douglas Boyd. Ensemble: Endellion Quartet.
    • WARNER CLASSICS : 0151492.
    • WARNER CLASSICS.
    • 1.

  • Benjamin Britten

    On this Island, Op 11 (Nocturne)

    Performer: Malcolm Martineau. Singer: Barbara Bonney.
    • ONYX: ONYX4003.
    • ONYX.
    • 18.

  • Benjamin Britten

    Ballad of Heroes, Op 14 (2nd mvt, Dance of Death)

    Orchestra: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Choir: City of Birmingham Choir. Conductor: Sir Simon Rattle.
    • EMI : CDS-754270-2.
    • EMI.
    • 3.

  • Benjamin Britten

    Suite, Op 6 (Nos 2 & 3)

    Performer: Tasmin Little. Performer: Piers Lane.
    • CHANDOS : CHAN-10770.
    • Chandos.
    • 7.

  • Benjamin Britten

    Hymn to St Cecilia, Op 27

    Ensemble: VOCES8.
    • VCM RECORDS : VCM129A.
    • VCM RECORDS.
    • 14.

Broadcast

  • Mon 28 Jun 2021 12:00
    ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3

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