What is the musical style of Benjamin Britten?

What is the musical style of Benjamin Britten?

Britten’s operas dealt with themes of compassion, individualism, and threatened innocence. He composed music “in a style noted for its melodic thrust, leanness, and characteristic sound,” according to the Christian Science Monitor.

Why is Benjamin Britten important?

1. Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) Edward Benjamin Britten was an English composer, conductor and pianist. He’s best-known for his substantial operatic output, including Peter Grimes, Billy Budd and The Turn of the Screw, among others, but also wrote song cycles and a large number of orchestral works.

What influenced Benjamin Britten?

Igor Stravinsky and Gustav Mahler were important influences, but Britten’s effortless technique gave his early music a high personal definition, notably shown in orchestral works (Bridge Variations for strings, 1937; Piano Concerto, 1938; Violin Concerto, 1939) and songs (Les illuminations, setting Rimbaud for high …

How many pieces of music did Benjamin Britten write?

He wrote 16 operas, film music, huge orchestral pieces, hundreds of songs, and music for children. Also well-known are the community opera Noye’s Fludde and the group of songs for children’s voices Friday Afternoons, both of which were used in Wes Anderson’s 2012 film Moonrise Kingdom.

What period is Britten from?

Benjamin Britten, in full Edward Benjamin Britten, Baron Britten Of Aldeburgh, (born November 22, 1913, Lowestoft, Suffolk, England—died December 4, 1976, Aldeburgh, Suffolk), leading British composer of the mid-20th century, whose operas were considered the finest English operas since those of Henry Purcell in the …

How many operas Britten wrote?

Benjamin Britten was a talented musician who explored most types of composition, and as well as his instrumental and choral works, he composed sixteen magnificent operas.

What was Benjamin Britten during ww2?

Both Britten and Pears were pacifists and applied to be conscientious objectors on their return to England in the middle of World War II. Initially, Britten was only allowed non-combatant service in the military, but gained unconditional exemption on appeal.

Is Britten in UK?

Britten was born in the fishing port of Lowestoft in Suffolk, on the east coast of England on 22 November 1913, the feast day of Saint Cecilia. In the English provinces of the early 20th century, distinctions of social class were taken very seriously.

What country is Benjamin Britten from?

EnglishBenjamin Britten / Nationality

Benjamin Britten, in full Edward Benjamin Britten, Baron Britten Of Aldeburgh, (born November 22, 1913, Lowestoft, Suffolk, England—died December 4, 1976, Aldeburgh, Suffolk), leading British composer of the mid-20th century, whose operas were considered the finest English operas since those of Henry Purcell in the …

What other compositions did Benjamin Britten write?

Britten’s largest choral work is the War Requiem (1962) for choir and orchestra, based on the Latin requiem mass text and the poems of Wilfred Owen, who was killed in World War I. Other choral works include the Hymn to St. Cecilia (1942; text by Auden), Ceremony of Carols (1942), Rejoice in the Lamb (1943), St.

In what American state did Benjamin Britten live?

Why did Britten go to America?

Trip to America Britten went to the United States out of discontent; he was also a conscientious objector. Britten’s anti-war feelings show quite prominently in the War Requiem. In 1942, though, Britten decided to go back home to England.

What is Peter Pears famous for?

Peter Pears. Sir Peter Neville Luard Pears CBE (/ˈpɪərz/ PEERZ; 22 June 1910 – 3 April 1986) was an English tenor. His career was closely associated with the composer Benjamin Britten, his personal and professional partner for nearly forty years.

What was the musical career of Thomas pears like?

Pears’ musical career started slowly. He was at first unsure whether to concentrate on playing or singing, and despite the efforts of some of his friends, it was not until he met Britten in 1937 that he threw himself wholeheartedly into singing.

When did John pears start singing in opera?

In 1938 he had his first professional experience of opera, as an understudy and member of the chorus at Glyndebourne. In April 1939, Pears accompanied Britten as he sailed to North America, going first to Canada and then to New York.

What kind of voice did Grant Pears have?

His voice had a distinctive timbre, not to all tastes, however he could use his voice very well in singing many musical styles. Pears was born in Farnham, Surrey, the youngest of the seven children of Arthur Grant Pears and his wife, Jessie Elizabeth de Visme, née Luard.