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Editorial Reviews

For the hardcore Britten fan on your list, the 10-disc set called Britten conducts Britten is the perfect gift solution. They'll no doubt already have the classic recording of Britten conducting the "War Requiem," his choral-orchestral masterpiece. But unless they collect old LPs, they probably won't have most of the rest of the recordings on these CDs including the odd but intense religious cantatas "The Burning Fiery Furnace," "The Prodigal Son," and "Noye's Fludde"; the even odder but still totally convincing children's opera "The Little Sweep"; and all the Christmas music, especially "Saint Nicholas." How could any hardcore Britten fans resist?

Of course they'll have to accept that, like it or not, the performances are, for better or worse, all essentially definitive. The "War Requiem," with its stupendous soloists, astounding chorus, superlative orchestra, and magnificent recording, has long been commonly held to be one of the highest achievements in the art of recording and most of the larger works here all receive performances at nearly as exalted a level, particularly the "Spring Symphony," which has seldom sounded so bright and charming. But some of the performances, while still charming, are less persuasive. The Wandsworth School Boys' Choir is a game enough ensemble, but the Choir of Downside School, Purley, is not altogether up to their task. For hardcore Britten fans, however, this set will be self-recommending first and foremost because the composer himself directed the performers, and, no mean conductor, Britten's performers ideally represent his intentions. Decca's stereo sound is both translucently clear and wonderfully evocative, an almost impossible combination. James Leonard, All Music Guide

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