Benjamin Britten: Incidental music for The Dark Tower

Scope and Content

Incidental music for the radio play The Dark Tower by Louis MacNeice. Signed by Britten on the title page (f. 1). The manuscript is not dated.

Full score, autograph, in pencil (with additions in red crayon) for trumpet in C, percussion and strings, as follows:

  • front cover with title, exhibiting various annotations indicating prior BBC Music Library custody (f. i, with f. ii hinged);
  • title page, signed (f. 1);
  • score, with 16 divisions indicated by Roman numerals in red crayon (ff. 2-12);
  • on f. 13v and f. iii are brief notes recording previous borrowings from the BBC Music Library.

First performance: 21 January 1946, BBC Home Service.

Access Information

Restrictions to access apply please consult British Library staff

Not Public Record(s)

Alternative Form Available

Digitised copy available on British Library Digitised Manuscripts: http://www.bl.uk/manuscripts/FullDisplay.aspx?ref=Add_MS_60623

Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements

Folio dimensions: 365 x 270 mm, except f. ii (25 x 70 mm) which is hinged and attached to f. i). Volume originally held by the BBC Music Library, with their ownership stamps on ff. i, 2, 6, 8v, and 12.