Three recordings from 1941, publicly available for the first time following transfer from the original 78rpm discs and lengthy subsequent treatment: the centrepiece is an off-air recording of the American premiere of Les Illuminations with Peter Pears.
"These are historical documents of importance... Technically wonders have been done to what appear to be intractable originals. All Britten and Pears specialists will want the issue to which Colin Matthews contributes authoritative annotations." Gramophone
Les Illuminations: Fanfare 2' 06" Les Illuminations: Villes 2' 34" Les Illuminations: Phrase 1' 02" Les Illuminations: Antique 2' 14" Les Illuminations: Royaute 1' 41" Les Illuminations: Marine 1' 01" Les Illuminations: Interlude 2' 07" Les Illuminations: Being Beauteous 4' 12" Les Illuminations: Parade
