Benjamin Britten Young person’s guide to the orchestra In the introduction, the theme is initially played by the entire orchestra (tutti), then by each major family of instruments of the orchestra: 1st variation (1:35) Woodwinds Brass Strings Percussion 2nd variation (1:58) Woodwinds Brass Strings Percussion 3rd variation (2:18) Woodwinds Brass Strings Percussion 4th variation (2:35) Woodwinds Brass Strings Percussion Each variation then features a particular instrument in depth, in the same family order, and generally moving through each family from high to low. Which instrument or instruments prevail in each variation? Variation A: Presto (3:11) Variation B: Lento (3:45) Recorder and harmonica Flute Violin and viola Oboe Flute and piccolo Clarinet Harp and violin French horn Variation C: Moderato (4:48) Flute Oboe Clarinet French horn Variation D: Allegro (5:30) French horn Oboe Piccolo Bassoon Variation E: Brillante (6:28) Violin Viola Violoncello Double bass Variation F: Meno mosso (7:10) Viola Double bass Violoncello Viola Variation G: (8:11) Viola Violin Double bass Violoncello Variation H: lento ma poco a poco Allegro (9:40) Viola Violin Double bass Violoncello Variation I: Maestoso (10:45) Viola Harp Variation J: L'istesso tempo (11:40) Horn Oboe Guitar Violoncello Trumpet Clarinet Variation K: Vivace (12:40) Trombone Oboe Trumpet Clarinet Variation L: Allegro pomposo (13:10) Trombone Oboe Trumpet Clarinet Variation M: Moderato (14:25) Percussion (Guiro & washboard) Percussion (Maracas & Claves) Percussion (Timpani; Bass Drum & Cymbals; Tambourine & Triangle; Snare Drum & Wood Block; Xylophone; Castanets & Gong; Whip) Percussion (Only Xylophones) Fugue: Allegro molto (16:18) It’s played by each major family of instruments of the orchestra: First the (16:18) Then the (17:01) Woodwinds Woodwinds Brass Brass Strings Strings Percussion Percussion Then the (17:46) And finally by the (18:08) Woodwinds Woodwinds Brass Brass Strings Strings Percussion Percussion At 18:18, while the fugue still goes on, the brass section plays the theme and then the entire orchestra concludes the piece.
