This marvelous collection (a reissue of a set released in 1991, compiled from earlier recordings) reaffirms Benjamin Britten as one of the great composers of the 20th century. Britten’s popular reputation rests on a handful of works, mainly The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, Sinfonia da Requiem, the War Requiem, A Ceremony of Carols, the Serenade for Tenor, Horn, & Strings, and Peter Grimes. But there’s so much more to be discovered, particularly from the early years of his career. At just age 18, Britten composed the masterly Four French Songs (beautifully sung by Jill Gomez), a work that revealed an astonishing musical sophistication and maturity. Then there are the bright and lively works like Canadian Carnival (incorporating the song Alouette), American Overture, and Occasional Overture all displaying his mastery of the orchestral medium. Britten was no slouch as a pianist either, made clear by the brilliant writing in the Diversions for piano left hand (powerfully rendered by Peter Donohoe), as well as the Scottish Ballad (again with Donohoe, and the equally expert Phillip Fowke).
Britten’s choral skills are represented here by the stirring Ballad of Heroes and by the brief, sparse Praise We Great Men, an unsettling work from Britten’s last period. The mighty Sinfonia da Requiem is saved for last, a fitting end to a fine program. Throughout, Simon Rattle and the City of Birmingham Symphony provide colorful, intense, winning performances, as do the CBSO Chorus and soloists. Whether as an introduction to the music of Britten, or as a supplement to a current collection, this well-recorded set is indispensable.
