Britten's Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge is a tribute to his teacher and mentor, Frank Bridge, with each movement linked to aspects of Bridge's personality.
Composition History
Britten began composing Les Illuminations in 1938 after discovering the prose-poetry of Arthur Rimbaud and completed it in Amityville, New York, in October of that year.
Composer Biography
Benjamin Britten composed all three masterworks on this album—Les Illuminations, Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge, and Serenade for tenor, horn and strings—before his thirtieth birthday.
Notable Performances
The public premiere of Britten's Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge at the Salzburg Festival on August 27, 1937, initiated his international renown.
Composition History
Britten's Serenade for tenor, horn and strings was inspired by an article by E.M. Forster about the Suffolk poet George Crabbe, which prompted Britten's return to England from the USA.
Compositional Technique
The 'Prologue' and 'Epilogue' of Britten's Serenade for tenor, horn and strings are played by the solo horn using only natural harmonics, without valves, creating an eerie effect.
Composition History
Britten's Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge was commissioned by conductor Boyd Neel for the 1937 Salzburg Festival and was completed in just four weeks.
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