Benjamin Britten: 'Sinfonietta for Ten Instruments', op. 1

This material is held atBritish Library Music Collections

  • Reference
    • GB 2027 Add MS 60593
  • Alternative Id.
      (ark) ark:/81055/vdc_100000000393.0x0000df
  • Dates of Creation
    • 1932
  • Language of Material
    • Not applicable
  • Physical Description
    • 1 volume (70 folios)

Scope and Content

Full score, for flute, oboe, clarinet in B flat, bassoon, horn in F, violin I, violin II, viola, violoncello, and double bass.

Autograph music manuscript, in ink, with annotations in red crayon and hinged and pasted-down corrections.

  • I. Poco presto e agitato (ff. 2v-22v);
  • II. 'Variations': Andante lento (ff. 23-36v);
  • III. 'Tarantella': Presto vivace (ff. 37-70).

Manuscript dated 'June 20th - July 9th 1932' (f. 70), with Britten's signature on ff. 1, 2v and 70.

First performance: 31 January 1933, The Ballet Club (Mercury Theatre), London.

Access Information

Restrictions to access apply please consult British Library staff

Not Public Record(s)

Alternative Form Available

Digitised copy available on British Library Digitised Manuscripts: http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Add_MS_60593

Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements

Folio dimensions (excluding smaller hinged and pasted-down additions): 346 x 255 mm. With a small tear at the top of folio 36.