Britten's mastery of the orchestra is evident even in such early works as the Quatre Chansons Françaises and Our Hunting Fathers, scores which display remarkable inventiveness and technical brilliance. The sombre majesty of the Sinfonia da Requiem and the dazzling colours of the ballet The Prince of the Pagodas represent the composer at the height of his powers, while the Suite on English Folk Tunes, written in his last years, is a hauntingly beautiful farewell to the orchestra. His response to commissions, and to soloists who were his friends, prompted works in every genre: who but Britten could have produced such a tour-de-force as The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, a work that speaks to everyone, yet which is also a remarkable 'concerto' for orchestra'.

He was as eloquent on the grandest scale, in the War Requiem, as when writing for amateurs, in his last completed work, the Welcome Ode. Britten stands secure as one of the greatest orchestral composers of the 20th century, whether writing forceful 'political' pieces – Ballad of Heroes – expressively programmatic works – the Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes – or virtuosic concertos – the Cello Symphony. His orchestral works inspire and enchant performers and audiences alike throughout the world.