Benjamin Britten was a central figure in 20th-century British music, known for his operas and orchestral works.
His best-known works include the opera 'Peter Grimes' and the 'War Requiem', both of which showcase his innovative style.
Britten received the prestigious Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal for his contributions to music.
Biography
Early Life
Edward Benjamin Britten was born on November 22, 1913, in Lowestoft, Suffolk, England. He emerged as a prominent figure in 20th-century British music, known for his contributions as a composer, conductor, and pianist. Britten's early exposure to music was significant, and he began composing at a young age, eventually studying at the Royal College of Music. His formative years were marked by a deep engagement with various musical styles, which would later influence his diverse body of work.
Career Milestones
Britten's career took off in the 1930s when he collaborated with notable figures such as W. H. Auden, producing works that included the song cycle "Our Hunting Fathers" and the opera "Peter Grimes" in 1945, which established him as a leading composer. His repertoire expanded to include orchestral pieces, chamber music, and vocal works, with significant compositions like the "War Requiem" (1962) and "The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra" (1945). Throughout his career, Britten received numerous accolades, including the Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal and the Order of Merit, reflecting his impact on classical music.
Personal Life and Views
Britten's personal life was complex; he was openly homosexual and had a long-term partnership with tenor Peter Pears. Despite his many works on Christian themes, he often grappled with his faith, identifying as a dedicated Christian later in life. Politically, he leaned left, favoring Liberal or Labour parties. Britten's health was fragile, suffering from various illnesses throughout his life, yet he maintained a rigorous work ethic and a childlike wonder about the world, which influenced his artistic vision.
Legacy
Britten passed away on December 4, 1976, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to resonate in the world of classical music. His home, The Red House in Aldeburgh, is now a foundation dedicated to preserving his musical heritage. Britten's centenary in 2013 saw his studio restored and opened to the public, celebrating his enduring influence on music and culture.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
British Council 50th Anniversary Concert-1/21984
- 1.Suite: Under Milk Wood
- 2.Phantasy Quartet
- 3.London Miniatures
War Requiem1983
- 1.War Requiem: I. Requiem aeternam9:53
- 2.War Requiem: II. Dies irae27:07
- 3.War Requiem: III. Offertorium9:48
- 4.War Requiem: IV. Sanctus9:50
- 5.War Requiem: V. Agnus Dei3:40
- 6.War Requiem: VI. Libera me22:44
Respighi: La Boutique fantasque / Britten: Soirées musicales / Matinées musicales1983
- 1.La Boutique fantasque (complete ballet)41:15
- 2.Soirées musicales, op. 9: I. March1:24
- 3.Soirées musicales, op. 9: II. Canzonetta2:25
- 4.Soirées musicales, op. 9: III. Tirolese2:06
- 5.Soirées musicales, op. 9: IV. Bolero1:52
- 6.Soirées musicales, op. 9: V. Tarantella2:09
- 7.Matinées musicales, op. 24: I. March2:36
- 8.Matinées musicales, op. 24: II. Nocturne3:03
- 9.Matinées musicales, op. 24: III. Waltz1:55
- 10.Matinées musicales, op. 24: IV. Pantomime2:53
- 11.Matinées musicales, op. 24: V. Moto perpetuo3:00
Piano Concertos no. 20, K466 & no. 27, K5951982
- 1.Piano Concerto no. 20 in D minor, K. 466: I. Allegro15:00
- 2.Piano Concerto no. 20 in D minor, K. 466: II. Romance10:00
- 3.Piano Concerto no. 20 in D minor, K. 466: III. Rondo. Allegro assai7:45
- 4.Piano Concerto no. 27 in B‐flat major, K. 595: I. Allegro14:15
- 5.Piano Concerto no. 27 in B‐flat major, K. 595: II. Larghetto8:58
- 6.Piano Concerto no. 27 in B‐flat major, K. 595: III. Allegro8:49
Symphonic Suite Gloriana / Prelude and Dances from the Prince of the Pagodas1982
- 1.Symphonic Suite: Gloriana, op. 53a: I. The Tournament4:04
- 2.Symphonic Suite: Gloriana, op. 53a: II. The Lute Song4:23
- 3.Symphonic Suite: Gloriana, op. 53a: III. The Courtly Dances9:52
- 4.Symphonic Suite: Gloriana, op. 53a: IV. Gloriana Moritura7:05
- 5.Prelude and Dances from the Prince of the Pagoda, op. 57b: 1. Prelude2:27
- 6.Prelude and Dances from the Prince of the Pagoda, op. 57b: 2. March and Gavotte3:16
- 7.Prelude and Dances from the Prince of the Pagoda, op. 57b: 3a. The Four Kings - The King of the North1:29
- 8.Prelude and Dances from the Prince of the Pagoda, op. 57b: 3b. The Four Kings - The King of the East2:40
- 9.Prelude and Dances from the Prince of the Pagoda, op. 57b: 3c. The Four Kings - The King of the West1:12
- 10.Prelude and Dances from the Prince of the Pagoda, op. 57b: 3d. The Four Kings - The King of the South1:49
- 11.Prelude and Dances from the Prince of the Pagoda, op. 57b: 4. Belle Epine and Belle Rose4:55
- 12.Prelude and Dances from the Prince of the Pagoda, op. 57b: 5. Variations of the Prince and Belle Rose7:32
- 13.Prelude and Dances from the Prince of the Pagoda, op. 57b: 6. Finale6:09
A Ceremony of Carols / Te Deum / Hymns to St. Peter, The Virgin, St. Cecilia1982
- 1.A Ceremony of Carols, op. 28: I. Procession
- 2.A Ceremony of Carols, op. 28: II. Wolcum Yole!
- 3.A Ceremony of Carols, op. 28: III. There is no Rose
- 4.A Ceremony of Carols, op. 28: IV. (i) That yonge child - (ii) Balulalow
- 5.A Ceremony of Carols, op. 28: V. As dew in Aprille
- 6.A Ceremony of Carols, op. 28: VI. This little Babe
- 7.A Ceremony of Carols, op. 28: VII. Interlude
- 8.A Ceremony of Carols, op. 28: VIII. In Freezing Winter Night
- 9.A Ceremony of Carols, op. 28: IX. Spring Carol
- 10.A Ceremony of Carols, op. 28: X. Adam lay i-bounden
- 11.A Ceremony of Carols, op. 28: XI. Recession
- 12.Te Deum in C major
- 13.Hymn to St. Peter
- 14.Hymn to the Virgin
- 15.Hymn to St. Cecilia, op. 27
Our Hunting Fathers / On This Island / A Charm of Lullabies1981
- 1.Our Hunting Fathers, Op. 826:10
- 2.On This Island, Op. 11: Let the Florid Music Praise3:51
- 3.On This Island, Op. 11: Now the Leaves Are Falling Fast2:12
- 4.On This Island, Op. 11: Seascape2:20
- 5.On This Island, Op. 11: Nocturne4:10
- 6.On This Island, Op. 11: As It Is, Plenty1:52
- 7.A Charm of Lullabies, Op.41: 1. Cradle Song2:18
- 8.A Charm of Lullabies, Op.41: 2. The Highland Balou1:55
- 9.A Charm of Lullabies, Op.41: 3. Sephestia's Lullaby2:08
- 10.A Charm of Lullabies, Op.41: 4. A Charm1:39
- 11.A Charm of Lullabies, Op.41: 5. The Nurse's Song3:47
Britten: Scottish Balad / Martinů: Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra1981
- 1.Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra, H. 292: I. Allegro non troppo6:13
- 2.Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra, H. 292: II. Adagio9:59
- 3.Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra, H. 292: III. Allegro6:23
- 4.Scottish Ballad for Two Pianos and Orchestra, op. 2613:06
The Crown of Ariadne1979
- 1.The Crown of Ariadne: Ariadne Awakens3:38
- 2.The Crown of Ariadne: Ariadne's Dance1:46
- 3.The Crown of Ariadne: Dance of the Bull2:28
- 4.The Crown of Ariadne: Dance of the Night Insects4:06
- 5.The Crown of Ariadne: Sun Dance / Labyrinth Dance6:06
- 6.Suite for Harp, op. 83: Ouverture3:30
- 7.Suite for Harp, op. 83: Tocatta1:25
- 8.Suite for Harp, op. 83: Nocturne2:57
- 9.Suite for Harp, op. 83: Fugue1:16
- 10.Suite for Harp, op. 83: Hymn (Saint Denio)5:16
- 11.Sonate pour harpe: Allegro2:20
- 12.Sonate pour harpe: Lento3:50
- 13.Sonate pour harpe: Allegro gaiement2:38
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings / Les Illuminations1979
- 1.Serenade for Tenor Solo, Horn and Strings, op. 31: I. Prologue. Andante1:26
- 2.Serenade for Tenor Solo, Horn and Strings, op. 31: II. Pastoral. Lento3:19
- 3.Serenade for Tenor Solo, Horn and Strings, op. 31: III. Nocturne. Maestoso3:20
- 4.Serenade for Tenor Solo, Horn and Strings, op. 31: IV. Elegy. Andante appassionato5:00
- 5.Serenade for Tenor Solo, Horn and Strings, op. 31: V. Dirge. Alla marcia grave3:18
- 6.Serenade for Tenor Solo, Horn and Strings, op. 31: VI. Hymn. Presto e leggiero2:02
- 7.Serenade for Tenor Solo, Horn and Strings, op. 31: VII. Sonnet. Adagio3:44
- 8.Serenade for Tenor Solo, Horn and Strings, op. 31: VIII. Epilogue. Andante1:40
- 9.Les Illuminations: I. Fanfare. Maestoso – Largamente2:08
- 10.Les Illuminations: II. Villes. Allegro energico2:45
- 11.Les Illuminations: III. A. Phrase. Lento ed estatico1:05
- 12.Les Illuminations: III. B. Antique. Allegretto, un poco mosso2:09
- 13.Les Illuminations: IV. Royauté. Allegro maestoso1:38
- 14.Les Illuminations: V. Marine. Allegro con brio1:05
- 15.Les Illuminations: VI. Interlude. Moderato ma comodo3:39
- 16.Les Illuminations: VII. Being Beauteous. Lento ma comodo3:46
- 17.Les Illuminations: VIII. Parade. Alla marcia – Sempre ritmico, quasi senza espressione – Animato – Poco largamente – A tempo vivace2:41
- 18.Les Illuminations: IX. Départ. Largo mesto – Largamente2:09
Symphonies Nos. 25 & 291978
- 1.Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K183: 1. Allegro Con Brio8:14
- 2.Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K183: 2. Andante6:00
- 3.Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K183: 3. Menuetto3:51
- 4.Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K183: 4. Menuetto5:11
- 5.Symphony No. 29 in A major, K201: 1. Allegro Moderato7:07
- 6.Symphony No. 29 in A major, K201: 2. Andante9:06
- 7.Symphony No. 29 in A major, K201: 3. Menuetto3:04
- 8.Symphony No. 29 in A major, K201: 4. Allegro Con Spirito5:16
Four Sea Interludes / Passacaglia From “Peter Grimes” / Sinfonia da Requiem1976
- 1.Sinfonia da Requiem, op. 20: Lacrymosa – Dies Irae – Requiem aeternam
- 2.Four Sea Interludes, op. 33a (From “Peter Grimes”): Dawn – Sunday Morning – Moonlight – Storm
- 3.Passacaglia, op. 33b (From “Peter Grimes”)
Peter und der Wolf / Orchesterführer für junge Leute1973
Tracklist not collected yet.
Britten - Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Les Illuminations1971
Tracklist not collected yet.
Songs & Proverbs of William Blake - The Holy Sonnets of John Donne1969
Tracklist not collected yet.
Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra Op. 34 / Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge for string orchestra, Op. 101967
Tracklist not collected yet.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream1966
Tracklist not collected yet.
Rejoice in the Lamb / Missa brevis / A Ceremony of Carols1965
Tracklist not collected yet.
Copland: The Red Pony & Britten: Sinfonia da Requiem, Op. 201964
Tracklist not collected yet.
War Requiem1963
Tracklist not collected yet.
Twentieth Century Church Music1963
Tracklist not collected yet.
Carnival of the Animals/The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra1962
Tracklist not collected yet.
Serge Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf / Benjamin Britten: Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra1962
Tracklist not collected yet.
Ginastera: Variaciones concertantes / Britten: Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra1955
Tracklist not collected yet.
Простая Симфония / Прелюдия и фуга / Серенада1973
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Label
- Record label
- Decca
Achievements
- Award
- Léonie Sonning Music Prize
- Award
- Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal
- Award
- Wihuri Sibelius Prize
- Award
- Ernst von Siemens Music Prize
- Award
- Johann Heinrich Merck Honour
- Award
- Companion of Honour
- Award
- Order of Merit
- Award
- Maurice Ravel Prize
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Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: B. Britten, Baron Britten of Aldeburgh, Britten, Edward Benjamin Britten
Edward Benjamin Britten, Baron Britten was an English composer, conductor, and pianist. He was a central figure of 20th-century British music, with a range of works including opera, other vocal music, orchestral and chamber pieces. His best-known works include the opera Peter Grimes (1945), the War Requiem (1962) and the orchestral showpiece The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra (1945).
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