Britten’s War Requiem
Sixty years since its premiere, Britten’s War Requiem remains as poignant in 2022 as it did in the wake of the Second World War. Commissioned for the re-consecration of the rebuilt Coventry Cathedral, his hauntingly beautiful work for choir and orchestra takes Wilfred Owen’s great war poems as its inspiration, and reflects Britten’s position as a pacifist and conscientious objector. Its first performance in 1962 was such a landmark event that thousands tuned in for the broadcast. In 1964, it was televised at the Proms, and this rare archive performance has been re-mastered and released by the BBC – an opportunity to witness the creative forces behind this epic work. Britten himself conducts the Melos Ensemble, and performers include Heather Harper (soprano), Peter Pears (tenor) and Thomas Hemsley (baritone) . Also featured are the BBC Chorus, London Philharmonic Choir and BBC Symphony Orchestra.
Available now on BBC iplayer