Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

Our Hunting Fathers (1936)

Symphonic cycle for high pitched voice and orchestra

  • General information
    • Composition date: 13 may 1936 - 23 jul 1936
    • Duration: 27 mn
    • Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes
    • Opus: 8
    • Dedication: 'Dedicated to Ralph Hawkes, Esq.'
    • Libretto (details, author):

      W. H. Auden

Detailed formation
  • soloist: 1 solo soprano
  • 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 1 alto saxophone, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, 1 tuba, 1 timpani, 2 percussionists, 1 harp, 1 strings

Premiere information

  • Date: 25 September 1936
    Location:

    Norfolk and Norwich Triennial Music Festival


    Performers:

    Sophie Wyss, London Philharmonic Orchestra, direction : Benjamin Britten

Table of contents

  • Prologue
  • (A) Rats Away! (Anon.)
  • (B) Messalina (Anon.)
  • (C) Dance of Death (T. Ravenscroft)
  • Epilogue and Funeral March