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The Turn of the Screw - Benjamin Britten

Information about the opera The Turn of the Screw by Benjamin Britten, and the best recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.

Recommended recordings on CD

Bedford/Langridge/Lott (Naxos 8.660109-10)

8.660109-10

A reissue of this excellent recording, originally on Collins Classics, and now at budget price.

Aldeburgh Festival Ensemble, conducted by Steuart Bedford, 1994.

Cast: Philip Langridge (Peter Quint), Felicity Lott (Governess), Nadine Secunde (Mrs Grose), Eileen Hulse (Miss Jessel).

Naxos 8.660109-10

Buy on CD:
Amazon.com
Buy as download:
Classics Online

Britten/Pears/Vyvyan (Decca 425 672-2)

425 672-2

The first recording by the original cast, it remains one of the best performances on record.

English Opera Group Orchestra, conducted by Benjamin Britten, 1955.

Cast: Sir Peter Pears (Peter Quint), Jennifer Vyvyan (Governess), Joan Cross (Mrs Grose), Arda Mandikian (Miss Jessel).

Decca 425 672-2 (mono)

Buy on CD:
Amazon.com
Buy as download:
Amazon.com

Also included in the boxed set:
Britten Operas 2


Harding/Bostridge/Rodgers (Virgin Classics VCD 5 45521-2)

VCD 5 45521-2

Recorded at Britten's own concert hall, the Snape Maltings, this surpasses other performances, and the recording is excellent. Winner of the Gramophone Opera category award, 2003.

Mahler Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Harding.

Cast: Ian Bostridge (Peter Quint), Joan Rodgers (Governess), Jane Henschel (Mrs Grose), Vivien Tierney (Miss Jessel).

Virgin Classics VCD 5 45521-2

Buy on CD:
Amazon.com
Buy as download:
Amazon.com

Recommended recordings on DVD

Hickox/Padmore/Milne (Opus Arte OA 0907 D)

OA 0907 D

A superb film version which perfectly captures the sinister ambiguity of Britten's opera.

City of London Sinfonia, conducted by Richard Hickox, 2005.

Cast: Mark Padmore (Peter Quint), Lisa Milne (Governess), Diana Montague (Mrs Grose), Catrin Wyn Davies (Miss Jessel).

Opus Arte OA 0907 D