The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra

Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell

The composition was written in 1946

The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra by Benjamin Britten, as well as Prokofiev’s symphonic tale Peter and the Wolf, introduces young listeners to specific musical instruments. The idea of a guide through the exciting world of classical music arose after Britten’s work appeared on a film about the instruments of an orchestra. This film received such reaction that the composer decided to adapt the concept into an independent work. He dedicated the work to his predecessor, the composer Henry Purcell, who lived in the 17^th century and whose work Britten drew inspiration from.

Suitable for all ages