Britten: Serenade; Les Illuminations; Nocturne
If you're looking for the quintessential Benjamin Britten recording look no further. In one of Britten's most renowned compositions Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings for instance, the composer conducts his longtime companion Tenor Peter Pears (who he wrote the piece for), friend and eminent horn player Barry Tuckwell, and the ever reliable London Symphony Orchestra in what must be considered the works definitive performance. Though originally intended to be sung by a soprano, Pears performance here of "Illuminations" set to the poems of Arthur Rimbaud as well is thoroughly committed and enthralling (Britten and Pears were known to have performed the work together live as early as 1941). This is a must for all fans of the composer, as well as a perfect introductory offering for those new to Britten's unique genius.