Paul Guinery introduces a sequence of English choral music reflecting the tastes and enthusiasms of Benjamin Britten.
Britten remained a life-long champion of the music of his first teacher, Frank Bridge , and the choral works of Gustav Hoist were a potent influence on his own choral music. The programme includes extracts from
Britten's recording of Purcell's The Fairy Queen and settings of poems by Auden. Britten Choral Dances (Glohana)
Daniel Auchincioss (tenor), Sioned Williams (harp), BBC Singers, conductor Stephen Cleobury Bridge A Prayer
Hoist Ode to Death
BBC Chorus and Symphony Orchestra, conductor Stephen Jackson Britten A Boy Was Born
Hoist Singers, St Paul's Cathedral
Choristers, conductor Stephen Layton (R)