The Adagio for Strings in memoriam Benjamin Britten, op.62a, was composed immediately on receiving news of the death of the great English composer and was written down between 8:00 and 9:30 on the evening of the 4th December, 1976. It is a composition for three polyphonal parts and can be performed by soloists or ensemble. A gesture from Britten's "Simple Symphony" closes the brief, expressive piece. (Bertold Hummel)

Hummel's Adagio takes place in the tradition of the Funeral Music by Witold Lutoslavsky and Samuel Barber. Mainly its clearness and simplicity is immediately touching and emotional for the audience