Benjamin Britten’s Symphony for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 68, was composed in 1963 and dedicated to Mstislav Rostropovich, who gave the premiere with Britten conducting the Moscow Philharmonic on 12 March 1964. The work’s title reflects Britten’s intention that the solo cello should be integrated symphonically with the orchestra rather than set apart as in a conventional concerto.

 The piece is in four movements (Allegro maestoso; Presto inquieto; Adagio — cadenza ad lib.; Passacaglia: Andante allegro), the third movement flowing into the finale via an extended, free cello cadenza that functions as a bridge and dramatic focal point. Britten treats motivic material symphonically, trading ideas between the soloist and orchestral groups and culminating in a large passacaglia that consolidates the work’s principal themes.

The concerto-symphony demands virtuosic technique, sustained lyricism and stamina from the cellist, and precise ensemble balance from the orchestra—qualities essential to preserve the work’s democratic sharing of musical material between soloist and ensemble.