Benjamin Britten was a viola player as well as a pianist and wrote a significant body of chamber music for stringed instruments. The works on this recording - which contains important world premiere recordings - were written between 1925 and 1937, with the exception of the masterpiece for viola, Lachrymae. Each reveals some characteristic aspect of Britten's voice, from the variety and wit of the Suite for Violin and Piano, Op. 6 to the little-known but absorbingly imaginative Reveille and the remarkably assured 1930 Elegy, written when he was just seventeen.

Tracklist:

I. Introduction: Andante Maestoso
Suite For Violin And Piano, Op. 6: II. March: Allegro Alla Marcia
Suite For Violin And Piano, Op. 6: III. Moto Perpetuo: Allegro Molto E Con Fuoco
Suite For Violin And Piano, Op. 6: IV. Lullaby: Lento Tranquillo
Suite For Violin And Piano, Op. 6: V. Waltz: Alla Valse, Vivace E Rubato
Reflection
Reveille
Elegy
2 Pieces: No. 1. The Moon
2 Pieces: No. 2. Going Down Hill On A Bicycle (A Boy's Song)
Etude
There Is A Willow Grows Aslant A Brook (Arr. B. Britten For Viola And Piano)
Valse In B Major
Lachrymae, Op. 48, "Reflections On A Song Of John Dowland"

UPC: 747313313679
Label: Naxos
Release Date: 11.19.13
Format: CD

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