Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

Saint Nicolas (1948)

Cantata for tenor solo, choir SATB, semi-choir SA, 4 children's voices and string orchestra, piano 4 hands, percussion and organ

  • General information
    • Composition date : 1948 - 31 may 1948
    • Duration : 50 mn
    • Publisher : Boosey & Hawkes
    • Opus : 42
    • Commission: 'This Cantata was written for performance at the centenary celebrations of Lancing College, Sussex, on 24 July 1948'
    • Libretto (details, author) :

      Eric Crozier

Detailed formation
  • soloists : 1 solo tenor, 4 soprano children voices
  • mixed choir, children's choir
  • 2 percussionists, 1 piano [4 mains] , 1 organ, strings

Premiere information

  • Date : 5 June 1948
    Location :

    Aldeburgh Festival


    Performers :

    Peter Pears and the Alderburgh Festival Chorus, direction : Leslie Woodgate.