Benjamin Britten

NAME Edward Benjamin Britten, Baron Britten of Aldeburgh

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Benjamin Britten was a renowned British composer, conductor, and pianist, celebrated for his operas, orchestral works, choral compositions, and song cycles. His works include the operas "Peter Grimes" and "The Turn of the Screw," the "War Requiem," and the "Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra."

BIRTH Benjamin Britten was born on November 22, 1913, in Lowestoft, Suffolk, England. The composer was born on the feast day of Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music

FAMILY BACKGROUND Britten was the youngest of four children in a middle-class family. His father, Robert Victor Britten, was a dentist, and his mother, Edith Rhoda Britten (née Hockey), was an amateur musician who encouraged his early musical interests.

CHILDHOOD Britten showed prodigious talent from a young age, composing his first works by the age of five. His childhood was marked by his developing passion for music, nurtured by his mother and private tutors.

EDUCATION Britten attended South Lodge Preparatory School and later Gresham's School. He studied at the Royal College of Music in London under Frank Bridge and John Ireland, where he honed his compositional skills.

CAREER RECORD Britten composed prolifically across various genres, including operas, orchestral works, chamber music, vocal music, and film scores. Here's his resume.

Britten's career took off in the 1930s with his work for the General Post Office film unit and collaborations with poet W.H. Auden. 

He gained international fame with the opera "Peter Grimes" in 1945. 

Founded the Aldeburgh Festival in 1948, a prestigious music festival on the English coast.

Championed contemporary music and collaborated with prominent artists like Peter Pears, his lifelong partner, and the soprano Kathleen Ferrier.

Became a prominent cultural figure in Britain and achieved international acclaim.

APPEARANCE Britten was tall with a distinctive, thoughtful expression. He had dark hair that turned grey later in life and a neatly kept appearance, 

Britten in 1968, by Hans Wild

FASHION Britten's fashion was understated and classic. He preferred elegant and practical clothing, reflective of his reserved personality. He was often seen in well-tailored suits or casual yet sophisticated attire. 

CHARACTER Britten was known for his intense work ethic, perfectionism, and sensitivity. He was a deeply private person, often described as introspective and somewhat reserved.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Britten's sense of humor was subtle and wry, often revealed in private conversations and his playful interactions with close friends.

RELATIONSHIPS Britten had a long-term relationship with tenor Peter Pears, his professional and personal partner. They lived and worked together for nearly four decades, collaborating on many musical projects.

Britten's first encounter with legendary cellist Mstislav Rostropovich was a bruising experience - not for him, but for Dmitri Shostakovich, seated beside him in a Royal Festive Hall box for the UK premiere of Shostakovich's First Cello Concerto. Every time Britten admired Mstislav's playing, he elbowed Shostakovich in the ribs, with the result that Shostakovich ended up black and blue. 

MONEY AND FAME Britten achieved considerable fame and financial success during his lifetime. He was awarded numerous honors, including a life peerage, making him Baron Britten of Aldeburgh.

FOOD AND DRINK Britten enjoyed simple, well-prepared meals. He had a particular fondness for traditional British cuisine and was known to enjoy a good cup of tea.

MUSIC AND ARTS Britten's contributions to music were vast, encompassing a wide range of genres and styles. He had a profound influence on 20th-century classical music and was a central figure in the revival of British opera.

Benjamin Britten wasn't always the big cheese of British music. He first came to public attention with the a cappella choral work A Boy Was Born in 1934

Then came "Peter Grimes" in 1945, and that's when things got really fishy – metaphorically speaking, of course, though there probably was some actual fish involved, considering it was an opera set on the coast. Anyway, "Peter Grimes" was a smash hit, propelling Britten onto the international stage.

Over the next three decades, Britten churned out operas like a baker with a serious baguette obsession – 14 in total! He tackled grand productions for fancy London theaters, but also whipped up chamber operas for more intimate settings. Think "The Turn of the Screw" in 1954 – a spooky ghost story perfect for a smaller venue (though probably not the best choice for a first date).

Britten wasn't a one-trick pony, though. He dabbled in all sorts of musical styles – symphonies, choral pieces, songs for solo singers, even film scores. He had a soft spot for kids and amateur musicians too, composing works like the opera "Noye's Fludde" (Noah's Flood, for those who haven't brushed up on their Bible) and a collection of songs called "Friday Afternoons" – perfect for whiling away those long school hours.

The man was a real collaborator, often composing with specific performers in mind. His biggest muse (and longtime partner) was the tenor Peter Pears. They were quite the musical dream team, along with other talented folks like Kathleen Ferrier and Mstislav Rostropovich.

But Britten wasn't just a composer; he was a performer too. A darn good pianist and conductor, in fact. He'd happily belt out his own creations or take on the works of others – from Bach's Brandenburg Concertos to Mozart symphonies. Talk about range!

In 1948, Britten, along with Pears and a bloke named Eric Crozier, decided to throw a music festival in a little seaside town called Aldeburgh. It was a hit, and it's still going strong today. He even masterminded the creation of a concert hall called Snape Maltings in 1967 – proving he wasn't just good with melodies, but also with bricks and mortar (well, sort of).

By the end of his life, Britten was a national treasure. In fact, he was the first composer ever to be given a life peerage, becoming Baron Britten. 

LITERATURE Britten was well-read and had a deep appreciation for literature, often drawing inspiration from literary sources for his compositions. He collaborated with poets like W.H. Auden and used texts by Shakespeare, Donne, and Blake in his works.

NATURE Britten had a strong connection to the Suffolk coast, where he lived for much of his life. The natural landscape of Aldeburgh and its surroundings deeply influenced his music. including "Sea Interludes" from Peter Grimes.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Britten enjoyed gardening and took pleasure in maintaining the grounds of his home in Aldeburgh. He also liked sailing and walking along the Suffolk coast.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Britten had a keen analytical mind, which he applied to his compositions. His works often demonstrate a precise understanding of musical structure and theory.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Britten's works reflect a deep humanism and concern for social issues. Though not overtly religious, his "War Requiem" and other choral works show a profound engagement with spiritual and moral questions.

When Britten composed "A Hymn of St Columba" for the 1,400th anniversary of Saint Columba's voyage to Iona, he wanted it sung "with fire." This instruction is included in the published score of the work.

SCANDAL Britten's life was relatively free of scandal. However, his pacifism during World War II and his relationship with Peter Pears in a time when homosexuality was illegal in Britain., sometimes drew public and critical scrutiny.

MILITARY RECORD Britten was a conscientious objector during World War II. He registered as a pacifist and performed alternative service, which influenced some of his later works, including the "War Requiem."

Britten was moved to write his "War Requiem" following the bombing of Coventry. It pits contrasting musical ensembles against one another, as the chilling innocence of boys' voices meets the outspoken, acerbic protests of soldiers and massed choirs expressing suffering and deliverance.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Britten struggled with health issues throughout his life, including heart problems. He underwent heart surgery in 1973, which significantly affected his ability to work.

HOMES Britten lived in several homes throughout his life, with his most famous residence being the Red House in Aldeburgh, Suffolk. This house is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

TRAVEL Britten traveled extensively for his performances and to gain inspiration. His trips included visits to the United States, Europe, and Asia.

DEATH Britten died on December 4, 1976, in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, at the age of 63. According to his biographer, Britten died of heart failure caused by undetected syphilis. He was buried in the churchyard of St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, Aldeburgh.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Britten's life and work have been the subject of numerous documentaries, films, and biographies. His music is regularly performed and recorded, maintaining his presence in the classical music world.

ACHIEVEMENTS Composed a vast and significant body of music that continues to be performed worldwide.

Championed contemporary music and British culture.

Founded the Aldeburgh Festival, a lasting legacy in the music world.

Received numerous accolades, including the Order of Merit (OM) and a barony, becoming Baron Britten.

Source Radio Times