01. - 11. Variations on a theme of Frank Bridge, op.10 [25'23]
12. - 15. Simple Symphony, op.15 [16'51]
16. - 26. Lachrymae, Reflections on a song of Dowland* [13'58]
27. - 28. Prelude and Fugue for 18 part String Orchestra, op.29 [8'49]
Roger Best- viola*; English String Orchestra conducted by William Boughton
Nimbus NIM 5025 (recorded March 1985; CD issued 1986)
(CD rip; flacs, booklet, cover and inlay scans)
Recording venue: Great Hall, University of Birmingham
Recording engineer & producer: not stated
Whilst these may not be top recommended recordings of these Britten works, this is a very useful collection of early and later works in fine performances and recorded sound. This disc was later issued in a 3-CD set of Britten's music with the English Symphony and String Orchestras; the latter drawn from members of the symphony orchestra.
The playing of the orchestra is very persuasive and Boughton displays great sympathy with the music. Roger Best is a sensitive viola soloist in the Lachrymae and Nimbus provides excellent, sometimes sumptuous, recording quality.
Download from MEGA.