By Barry Lenson
The British composer Benjamin Britten wrote a remarkably large and varied body of music. His compositions range from the simply delightful Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra to the ravishingly beautiful Spring Symphony to the emotionally devastating opera Peter Grimes. And let’s not forget his Ceremony of Carols, a perennial Christmas favorite.
And then I will state my own opinion that Britten wrote the most important single musical work of the 20th Century, War Requiem. I have been listening to it for more than sixty years. Why do I believe it is the most important musical creation of the last century? First, it masterfully intermixes texts from the Latin Requiem Mass with poems written by the British poet Wilfred Owen, who was killed in World War I. The emotional impact of this work is immense. But the greatest reason it is the most important piece of music written in the last century is that War Requiem is about war.
The 20th Century was the century of harrowing, devastating, and unending wars – one after another. That is what we humans have left behind as our greatest legacy. And when we listen to War Requiem, we descend into the endless black heart of it all.
Britten’s Early Life and Education
Edward Benjamin Britten, born on November 22, 1913, in Lowestoft, Suffolk, England, was one of the foremost British composers of the 20th century. The youngest of four children, Britten exhibited musical talent from an early age, composing prolifically by the age of five. His mother, a talented amateur musician herself, encouraged his musical pursuits. At the age of 14, Britten began taking lessons from composer Frank Bridge, whose guidance profoundly influenced his compositional style and development.
Britten’s formal education began at the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied under John Ireland and Arthur Benjamin. Despite his technical training, Britten often felt stifled by the conservative atmosphere of the institution. Nevertheless, his time at the college marked the beginning of a career characterized by innovation and a deep commitment to musical excellence.
Early Career and Influences
Britten’s early career was marked by a variety of compositions, including choral works, chamber pieces, and film scores. His first significant recognition came with the a cappella choral work A Boy Was Born (1933), which displayed his flair for vocal music and intricate harmonies. In 1935, Britten began working for the General Post Office Film Unit, where he composed scores for documentary films. During this period, he forged a close professional and personal relationship with the poet W.H. Auden, leading to collaborations on several projects, including the operetta Paul Bunyan (1941).
The 1940s: Emigration and International Success
In 1939, with the looming threat of World War II, Britten and his lifelong partner, tenor Peter Pears, emigrated to the United States. During his stay in America, Britten composed several significant works, including the song cycles Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo (1940) and Les Illuminations (1940), both written for Pears. However, Britten’s longing for his homeland inspired his return to England in 1942.
Britten’s return to England marked the beginning of his most productive and influential period. In 1945, he premiered Peter Grimes, an opera based on a section in George Crabbe’s narrative poem The Borough. Peter Grimes was a critical and commercial success, establishing Britten as a leading figure in the world of opera. This work was followed by more operas, including The Rape of Lucretia (1946), Albert Herring (1947), and The Turn of the Screw (1954).
The 1950s and the Aldeburgh Festival
In 1948, Britten and Pears founded the Aldeburgh Festival, an annual celebration of music and the arts held in the coastal town of Aldeburgh, Suffolk. The festival provided a platform for Britten to premiere many of his new works and fostered a community of musicians and artists that contributed to the cultural life of the region.
During the 1950s, Britten continued to compose a wide variety of works, including the operas Billy Budd (based on the Melville novella, 1951) and the chamber opera The Turn of the Screw (1954). His output also included significant choral and orchestral works such as his Spring Symphony (1949) for orchestra, chorus and soloists.
Britten’s Later Years and Ongoing Legacy
Britten’s later years were marked by a series of profound and deeply personal compositions. His War Requiem (1962), written for the consecration of the new Coventry Cathedral, stands as one of his greatest achievements. The work is both a powerful statement on the horrors of war and a plea for peace.
In the 1970s, despite declining health, Britten continued to compose significant works, including the opera Death in Venice (1973), based on the novella by Thomas Mann. In 1976, he became the first composer to be elevated to the peerage, receiving the title Baron Britten of Aldeburgh.
Benjamin Britten passed away on December 4, 1976, at the age of 63. His influence on 20th-century music, particularly in the realm of opera, remains profound. Britten’s works are celebrated for their emotional depth, technical mastery, and the seamless integration of music and text.
Selected Works Available for Listening on Classical Archives
Be sure to visit the composer’s page for Benjamin Britten for a complete list of the many Britten works that are available for listening in the Classical Archives streaming library.*
Here is just a small selection of the works you will find there.
Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra
Britten’s legacy endures, not only through his prolific output but also through his contributions to music education and the arts community, exemplified by the lasting impact of the Aldeburgh Festival.
* Please note that in order to listen, you must be a member of Classical Archives. If you are not yet a member, we invite you to join now. Free 14-day trial memberships are now available.
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