Britten, Benjamin - Poulenc, Prokofiev & Britten: Three Sinfoniettas - Slobodeniouk, Dima

The term sinfonietta is generally used to describe a work that is smaller or lighter in scale than a normal symphony. It only became common in the first half of the 20th century, when the three works on this recording were composed. It is also worth noting that Sergei Prokofiev and Benjamin Britten composed their sinfonietta works while still in their teens – these were early attempts to create multi-movement ensemble works. Prokofiev revised his Sinfonietta twice, and the 1929 version is recorded on this album. He became one of the greatest symphonists of his time. Britten chose a different path, and operas formed the most important part of his legacy. Perhaps symptomatically, his Sinfonietta – Op. 1 – was originally composed for wind quintet and string quintet, and he later expanded this composition into the present recording. Like Britten, Francis Poulenc was not naturally inclined towards large-scale orchestral works, and his Sinfonietta is his only symphonic work. The newest work on the recording is neoclassical in spirit, with sparkling dance rhythms and lyrical moments. The three works are performed here by the Lahti City Orchestra, conducted by Dima Slobodeniouk. The orchestra has released several acclaimed albums on the BIS label.