Benjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra stands as a remarkable and enduring piece of music, perfectly crafted to introduce audiences of all ages to the diverse and fascinating world of the symphony orchestra. Subtitled “Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell,” this composition is not just educational; it’s a captivating musical journey.
A portrait of Benjamin Britten, the composer of “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra,” highlighting his contribution to music education.
Originally composed in 1945 for an educational film titled “Instruments of the Orchestra,” commissioned by the British Ministry of Education, Britten’s work brilliantly showcases the unique character of each instrument and instrumental family within the orchestra. He drew inspiration from a rondeau by Henry Purcell, written in 1695 for Aphra Behn’s play “Abdelazer,” using it as the foundation for his variations.
The structure of The Young Person’s Guide is ingeniously designed for learning. Before the variations even begin, Britten presents Purcell’s noble theme played by the entire orchestra, immediately establishing a grand and unified sound [0:05]. He then cleverly isolates each instrumental group, allowing listeners to distinguish the timbres of the woodwinds [0:27], the powerful brass [0:50], the lyrical strings and harp [1:10], and finally the rhythmic percussion [1:27], before the full orchestra restates the theme in its entirety [1:43]. This initial presentation is a masterclass in orchestral arrangement, paving the way for the variations to come.
The heart of The Young Person’s Guide lies in its thirteen variations, each spotlighting a different instrument or section of the orchestra. Britten’s genius is evident in how he captures the essence of each instrument, ranging from the delicate and playful flutes and piccolo [2:01], accompanied by the harp, to the reedy and expressive oboes [2:34], the rich and versatile clarinets [3:35], and the humorous bassoons [4:20].
Moving to the string family, Britten highlights the warm and expressive violins [5:11], the mellow violas [5:44], the sonorous cellos [6:45], and the deep, grounding double basses [7:55]. The elegant harp takes center stage in its own variation [8:54], followed by the majestic horns [9:44], the brilliant trumpets [10:34], and the weighty trombones and tuba [11:02].
Finally, the percussion section bursts forth in a vibrant and diverse variation [12:15]. Within this section, Britten further subdivides, featuring the timpani, bass drum and cymbals [12:31], tambourine and triangle [12:43], snare drum and wood block [12:55], xylophone [13:06], castanets and gong [13:18], and even the surprising whip [13:33]. This detailed exploration of the percussion family is particularly engaging and memorable.
The culmination of Britten’s guide to the orchestra is the fugue [14:11]. Starting with the piccolo, Britten masterfully weaves in each instrument and instrumental group, building in complexity and excitement. The fugue subject is lively and engaging, and as more instruments join, the texture becomes richer and more vibrant. The piece reaches a glorious conclusion as the brass section powerfully restates the original Purcell theme, while the woodwinds and strings continue the fugue, and the percussion provides a festive rhythmic drive.
The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra is more than just an educational tool; it is a brilliant piece of music in its own right. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Britten’s skill in creating music that is both accessible and artistically fulfilling. For anyone wanting to understand and appreciate the instruments of the orchestra, Britten’s guide remains an indispensable and delightful starting point. Whether you are a young person discovering classical music for the first time, or an adult seeking a deeper appreciation for the orchestra, this piece offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience.
