This week we present Benjamin Britten's Billy Budd in the composer's own revised two-act version, drawn from a historic BBC studio recording broadcast in November 1960. Conducted by Britten himself and featuring Peter Pears as Captain Vere, the performance captures one of the twentieth century's greatest operas at a pivotal moment in its evolution.
Remastered in Ambient Stereo XR, the recording emerges with remarkable clarity, atmosphere and dramatic power. Joseph Ward's moving Billy and Michael Langdon's chilling Claggart lead a distinguished cast in a performance that combines historical importance with compelling musical and theatrical immediacy.
Also this week we mark the 75th anniversary of the death of Serge Koussevitzky, one of the twentieth century's most influential conductors. As Music Director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, champion of new music and mentor to a generation of musicians, Koussevitzky helped shape the modern orchestral world and remains a towering figure in musical history.
