Pacifists in Wartime: Early Music by Tippett and Britten.
English composers Michael Tippett (1905-1998) and Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) became friends in the 1940s and were firmly convinced in the futility of war. Despite the threat of internment, being true pacifists they refused to serve. Despite, or thanks to, the turmoil and horrors of their time, they continued to compose steadily. In this episode we will listen to three early works by Tippett and Britten.
Playlist:
- Tippett:( photo ) Concerto for Double String Orchestra [1939]. Scottish Chamber Orchestra conducted by Michael Tippett.
- Britten: Sinfonia da requiem (op. 20) [3 movements] [1940]. New Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Benjamin Britten.
- Britten: An American Ouverture, 1941 (op. 27) [1941]. City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra conducted by Simon Rattle.
