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Ian Bostridge

First Listen: Benjamin Britten's 'War Requiem'

Benjamin Britten's War Requiem, written in response to the devastation of both World Wars, premiered in 1962. Getty Images hide caption

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First Listen

First Listen: Benjamin Britten's 'War Requiem'

Britten's response to the collective bloodshed of the 20th century remains as vital and visceral as it was when his Requiem premiered more than 50 years ago. It was commissioned for the reconsecration of Britain's Coventry Cathedral, which had been destroyed by a Nazi bomb raid in 1940.

Benjamin Britten's 'War Requiem'

Audio for First Listens is no longer available after the album is released.

Music Interviews

A Visitor's Guide to the St. Matthew Passion

In J.S. Bach's day, in Leipzig, the musical event of the season came on Good Friday, when parishioners could hear the passion story told in music. Tenor Ian Bostridge and conductor Ton Koopman join others in a guided tour of Bach's St. Matthew Passion.

Take a guided tour through the 'St. Matthew Passion'

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