The renowned Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich performs Tchaikovsky's 'Rococo Variations' at the Snape Maltings Concert Hall in 1968, with Benjamin Britten conducting. Also included are rare performances of Britten conducting excerpts from his opera 'Gloriana', with Peter Pears performing 'The Lute Song'.

Mstislav Rostropovich is soloist and conductor of the Academy of St. Martin- In-Ihe-Fields in these superb readings. Recorded at London's Henry Wood Hall.