Simple Symphony

The Simple Symphony ( German Simple Symphony ) is a work for string orchestra by Benjamin Britten. Originally it was written for school orchestra, there is also a version for string quartet. The piece was premiered in Norwich in 1934 by an amateur orchestra and thereby conducted by Britten himself.

The piece is based on eight Childhood themes of the composer (two per set), for which he had a special fondness. It consists of the four sets Boisterous Bourrée ( impetuous Bourrée ), Playful Pizzicato ( playful pizzicato ), Sentimental Sarabande ( Sentimental Sarabande ) and Frolicsome Finale ( exuberant finale ). ( The names of the sets are each alliteration. )

In particular, because of the already pizzicato second movement, the plant will also gladly played by Zupforchestern.