Britten's Te Deum in C

[Lordgeous]

There is, somewhere in the BBC archives, a sound recording of the (first?) live performance of the Missa Brevis, with George Malcolm playing the organ and directing at WC. It has a few bloops, but is fascinating. Can't remember when it was last aired. Not sure if it's available to buy anywhere.

Its always been available in one form or another - I have still the 7" EP (first issue) purchased in my teens. Its a BBC recording compiled from the first two (liturgical) live performances, purchased and issued by Decca. Remarkable in that Malcolm was playing and directing with the choir split left and right of him in the main organ loft.

[ardcarp]

This?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN7rP5vY1sc

Hasn't radio changed?

[Lordgeous]

Yes! Apparently the BBC were only made aware of this Britten premiere at very short notice so they hastily hung a single microphone for the choir and organ - no chance of a rehearsal or sound check! Amazing that it turned out as well as it did. Britten, Pears and many other musical aluminaries of the day attended.