Filmed in 1967 during the audio recording in Orford Church of Benjamin Britten’s ‘The Burning Fiery Furnace’, this 56-minute DVD from director Tony Palmer is the longest single piece of film of Britten at work.

The rare footage features Britten directing a stellar cast - Peter Pears (Nebuchadnezzar), Bryan Drake (The Astrologer), John Shirley-Quirk (Shadrach), Robert Tear (Meshach), Stafford Dean (Abednego) and Peter Lemming (The Herald). Unfortunately it was a year or so before the advent of colour television cameras, but the result, although in black and white, makes compelling viewing.

“(Palmer’s film) not only captures Pears in the lead role, but includes two other of the greatest interpreters of Britten, and two of the greatest voices of the last half-century - John Shirley-Quirk and the late Robert Tear...anyone remotely interested in Britten who does not already have this film should waste no time in obtaining it.” - Simon Heffer

Musical Direction: Benjamin Britten and Viola Tunnard

DVD specifications:
Region: 0 (All Regions)
Rating: E (Exempt from Certification)
Duration: 56 mins
Picture Format: NTSC (all regions)