Cat No. JM68382
Price £85.00
Category: TEST PIECES (Major Works)

Diversions after Benjamin Britten  - a suite in four movements.
01. ARIA - His Depth by LUCY PANKHURST
02. SCHERZO - His Vitality by SIMON DOBSON
03. MARCH -  His Sympathy by PAUL McGHEE
04. TOCCATA -  His Skill by GAVIN HIGGINS

Diversions after Benjamin Britten was devised by Paul Hindmarsh as a centenary tribute to Britain’s foremost composer of the 20 century. It is a companion piece to Variations on a Theme of Michel Tippett. although in this case the theme is not musical, but the composer himself, as Hindmarsh explains: ‘I invited Lucy, Simon. Paul and Gavin to create their own personal reflections on four aspects of Britten’s character. Lucy’s lyrical Aria- His Depth, refers to the emotional and symbolic subtexts that underpin his operas. Simon’s playful Scherzo- His Vitality, reminds us that Britten loved tennis and fast cars in his younger days- Paul’s quirky March- His Sympathy, is evocative of Britten’s pacifism. while Gavin’s breathless Toccata ‘His Skill, pays tribute to the composer’s consummate creativity- At its premiere, these virtuoso inspirations were prefaced and separated by the four strains of Britten’s ceremonial Fanfare for St. Edmundsbury. The fanfare is published by Boosey & Hawkes, but is not part of this edition,

Duration: 14 mins (18 mins including Britten’s Fanfare)
Grade 6