Benjamin Britten
1913 – 1976
Britten was Britain's greatest 20th-century composer. His operas explore outsiders and the innocent corrupted. His music combines accessibility with substance — communicative without compromise.
Essential Listening
The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra
Every orchestral family introduced in variations on a Purcell theme. Educational and entertaining — Britten's gift.
Peter Grimes - Sea Interludes - Dawn
The North Sea at dawn. Cold, gray, and hauntingly beautiful — Britten captures the Suffolk coast.
War Requiem - Strange Meeting
Enemies meet in hell and forgive. Wilfred Owen's poetry set to devastating effect — pacifism as art.
Discover Britten in These Journeys
Go Deeper with Classical Music
Love Britten? Get a free 7-day email guide exploring more incredible classical music.