Benjamin Britten: Choral Works
Jennifer Vyvyan (soprano), Helen Watts (contralto)
London Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus, Benjamin Britten
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The first recordings of choral masterpieces by Britten, performed by the dedicatees and newly reissued in a unique compilation.
At Christmas in 1958, Benjamin Britten went to hear the boys of the Westminster Cathedral Choir sing his Ceremony of Carols conducted by George Malcolm. He was so impressed by their voices that he wanted to write something for them. Malcolm suggested a short Mass for boys' voices. The result is the Missa Brevis, composed, performed and recorded by Decca on the occasion of Malcolm's retirement as organist and choirmaster in July 1959.
Works:
Britten: A Hymn to the Virgin
Britten: Cantata Academica, Op. 62
Britten: Hymn to St Cecilia, Op. 27
Britten: Missa Brevis in D major, Op. 63
Britten: Rejoice in the Lamb, Op. 30
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Decca Eloquence CD
4840658