Britten wrote in 1971: “It was only when I first encountered Purcell’s music that I understood the vividness and genius with which words could be exalted by music”.
This programme tells the story of this encounter. Throughout his life, both as composer and performer, Britten strove to put Purcell on the pinnacle he occupies today in the pantheon of the Golden Age of English music.

• Benjamin Britten, A ceremony of Carols, for female voice and harp

• Henry Purcell, Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary

• Henry Purcell, Choral motets (Remember not our offenses; Hear my prayer; Lord, how long wilt thou be angry; Clap your hands)

• Benjamin Britten, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, seven choral pieces

• Ensemble Aedes

• Mathieu Romano, conductor

• Marion Lénart, harp

• Christophe Durant, organ