Benjamin Britten’s Simple Symphony, Op. 4, was written in 1933–34 and is wholly derived from themes he composed as a child; it is scored for string orchestra (also playable as a string quartet) and typically lasts about 16–18 minutes in performance.

The work has four movements: I. Boisterous Bourrée (Allegro ritmico), II. Playful Pizzicato (Presto — pizzicato throughout), III. Sentimental Sarabande (Poco lento e pesante), and IV. Frolicsome Finale (Prestissimo con fuoco). Each movement uses two childhood themes that Britten reworks with clear formal control—rondo and variation-like treatments, contrasting textures, and a mix of bowed and plucked writing.

Scoring is exclusively for strings (1st & 2nd violins, violas, cellos, double basses) and the piece demands tight ensemble, crisp articulation (especially in the pizzicato second movement), and warm long-line playing in the sarabande; the finale requires vigor and rhythmic precision to bring the youthful material to an exuberant close.