Instrumentation:

• Castanets, Wood block, Whip, 3 Tom-toms (soprano, alto, and tenor—1 player)
• Orchestral bells, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Celesta
• Soprano and Bass soloists
• 10 Violins, 4 Violas, 3 Cellos, 2 Five-string Doublebasses

Duration:

Approx. 42 min.

Composed:

Piano vocal score completed in a Moscow hospital on 16 February 1969; the full score at his Moscow apartment on 2 March 1969.

Dedication:

Benjamin Britten (composer). Personal score inscribed ‘To dear Benj...