by Jeff Count
Instrumentation: piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, xylophone, triangle, snare drum, cymbals, bass drum, tambourine, gong, whip, castanets, Chinese block, harp, strings, optional speaker.
Duration: Approximately 18 minutes.
The world of classical music can seem daunting, but Benjamin Britten’s “Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra,” Op. 34, is the perfect gateway. Officially titled “Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Purcell,” this piece is a thrilling exploration of the orchestra’s instruments and their unique sounds. This isn’t just music; it’s a game, and this guide is your rulebook.
Benjamin Britten: The Composer (1913-1976)
Britten was a prolific composer, and by 1945, he was experiencing significant success. This success even caused him some anxiety, as he worried that his music might be perceived as having only “superficial charm.” This was a curious fear for a man on the verge of writing the groundbreaking opera “Peter Grimes.”
The History of a Musical Journey
Fresh off the triumph of “Peter Grimes,” Britten accepted a fascinating commission from the BBC in 1944. The project was an educational film called “Instruments of the Orchestra,” featuring Malcolm Sargent leading the London Symphony Orchestra on a narrated musical journey through the orchestra’s sections. Britten chose a theme from the Rondeau movement of Henry Purcell’s incidental music for the play “Abdelazer (The Moor’s Revenge)” as the foundation for his composition.
Britten already honored Purcell, in his Second String Quartet and “The Holy Sonnets of John Donne,” because 1945 marked the 250th anniversary of Purcell’s death. In “Young Person’s Guide,” Purcell’s Rondeau serves as the work’s unifying theme. Britten presents the theme with the full orchestra and then highlights the sonic characteristics of each of the ensemble’s major sections.
From there, individual instrument families get their moment in the spotlight. A dazzling fugue follows, reassembling the orchestra and culminating in an electrifying return of the opening theme. While intended for film, “Young Person’s Guide” transitioned seamlessly into a concert piece, premiering in 1946. Britten undoubtedly anticipated this, as it has become one of his most beloved works for the symphony stage. Superficial charm? Perhaps. Undeniably brilliant craftsmanship? Absolutely.
The piece begins with the full orchestra playing Purcell’s stately theme. This theme then gets passed around to different sections of the orchestra – woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion – each showcasing their unique timbre and capabilities.
The real fun begins with the variations. Each variation features a different instrument or group of instruments, allowing you to hear their individual voices.
- Flutes and Piccolo: These high-pitched instruments create a bright, airy sound.
- Oboes: Known for their reedy, slightly nasal tone, oboes add a touch of melancholy.
- Clarinets: Versatile instruments capable of both smooth melodies and playful flourishes.
- Bassoons: The bassoons provide a warm, woody foundation to the woodwind section.
- Horns: Majestic and resonant, horns evoke a sense of grandeur.
- Trumpets: Bright and assertive, trumpets add excitement and fanfare.
- Trombones and Tuba: These low brass instruments contribute a powerful, sonorous depth.
- Harp: The harp provides ethereal and shimmering textures.
The string section, the backbone of the orchestra, is then divided into its constituent parts, violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Finally the percussion section gets an extended chance to demonstrate the variety of sounds they can produce.
The grand finale is a fugue, a complex musical form where different instruments enter one by one, each playing the same melody but at different times. The effect is a rich, interwoven tapestry of sound that builds to a triumphant climax with the return of Purcell’s original theme.
The World in 1946
1946 was a year of significant global events. The first meetings of the United Nations took place, Charles de Gaulle resigned as President of France, Juan Perón was elected President of Argentina, and the Atomic Energy Commission was formed in the U.S.
Connection to the Utah Symphony
“Young Person’s Guide” has been a staple of the Utah Symphony’s educational programs. It was last performed during a Masterworks concert in 2000 under the direction of Keith Lockhart.
“A Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra” isn’t just a piece of music; it’s an invitation to explore the fascinating world of the orchestra. By understanding the roles and sounds of each instrument, you can unlock a deeper appreciation for this timeless masterpiece. So, listen closely, learn the game, and enjoy the symphony!
