Composer of the Month 11/2013: Benjamin Britten
(selected by Peter van Dessel / Belgium)
Great Britain 16.4.2013
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Jukka Pekka Saraste with Benjamin Britten's composition "The young people's guide to the orchestra." This composition refers to a theme of Henry Purcell, whom Britten greatly admired. |
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The English composer, conductor and pianist Edward Benjamin Britten was born on 22 November 1913
in Lowestoft, Suffolk. From his mother he received his first piano lessons, and in 1921 he
wrote his first compositions. He studied piano and composition at the Royal College of Music
in London.
Britten is best known for his opera "Peter Grimes", which was premiered on 7 June 1945 by the Sadler's Wells Opera Company. His compositions include orchestral and chamber music, operas, songs and choral works. Known in addition to "Peter Grimes" are his opera "A Midsummer Night's Dream", the cantata "Saint Nicolas" about the life of Bishop Nicholas of Myra and the "War Requiem" that he composed 1961/62 for the reconstruction of Coventry Cathedral which was destroyed in World War II. The "War Requiem" belongs to the most important choral works ever since. In 1948, Britten founded a music festival in his hometown Aldeburgh, that exists to this day. Among many other awards Britten was awarded the "Order of Merit" and in 1970 he became a member of the Academy of Arts in Berlin. Benjamin Britten died on 4 December 1976 in Aldeburgh, Suffolk. In November 2013 the music world commemorates his 100th Birthday. More composer can be found in the members only section |