Cantata Academica

The Cantata Academica, Op 62 (Subtitles Carmen Basiliense ) is a festival cantata for soloists, mixed choir and orchestra of the British composer Benjamin Britten. It was written in 1959 as a commissioned work for the 500 - year celebration of the University of Basel. The contract for the anniversary composition of Britten gave Paul Sacher in October 1958 after previously Igor Stravinsky and Paul Hindemith were canceled due to time constraints.

Under Sachers line the work by the Basel Chamber Choir, the Choir and the private Sterk'schen reinforced Basel Chamber Orchestra was premiered on July 1, 1960 in Basel. The soloists were Agnes Giebel (Soprano), Elsa Cavelti (Alt ), Britten's life partner Peter Pears ( tenor) and Heinz Rehfuss ( bass).

The cantata is divided into thirteen sentences, their Latin text by Bernhard Wyss based on ancient texts Basel and the founding charter of the University. A performance lasts approximately 20 minutes. A live recording of the premiere has come down as a historic recording; Furthermore, the work was recorded and released under the baton of the composer by the London Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Chorus with Decca Records.

• Work of Benjamin Britten
• Cantata