Benjamin Britten conducting his own works is always an experience. While many recordings of the “composer-as-conductor” are available, this new recording features a program of works not previously available on CD.

That is valid particularly for the Symphonic Suite from “Gloriana” as well as the rarely performed “Variations on an Elizabethan Theme” – both are works inspired by the music of earlier generations of English music - a rare and interesting document of musical importance. Also included are several smaller, but highly enjoyable reworkings of earlier works from English’s Golden Age of composers. All the recordings presented here are studio recordings, except the Three Pieces for String Orchestra, which is the only work that Britten recorded LIVE with the RSO Stuttgart.