Benjamin Britten

Biography

Edward Benjamin Britten, Baron Britten of Aldeburgh, OM (1913–1976) was a British composer, conductor, and pianist. Britten was born on 22nd November 1913 in Lowestoft in Suffolk, the son of a dentist and a talented amateur musician. He began composing prolifically as a child, and in 1927 began private lessons with Frank Bridge. He also studied, less happily, at the Royal College of Music under John Ireland and with some input from Ralph Vaughan Williams. Read more about Benjamin Britten on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License and may also be available under the GNU FDL.

Latest on Benjamin Britten

The Turn of the Screw review – compelling, challenging and creepy

Jonathan Kent’s production of Britten’s ghost story is revived to haunting effect, with standout central performances from the children, writes Tim Ashley
Sir Philip Dowson obituary

Undogmatic architect who created buildings that were both modern and responsive to local tradition
Michael Parkin obituary

Gallery owner and dealer who was one of the most colourful characters to inhabit the London art world
Peter Sculthorpe obituary

Leading contemporary composer whose work was inspired by the landscape and culture of his native Australia
Owen Wingrave: A private peace

Benjamin Britten's 'pacifist' opera was written while war was at the forefront of people's minds. In this year of centenaries, director Neil Bartlett explains why the time is right for a revival
Peter Grimes review – flashback device is a mixed blessing

There is strong singing in this powerful production, but does Sams' added back story stray too far from Britten's enigmatic original? asks Martin Kettle
John Shirley-Quirk obituary

Leading bass-baritone whose distinctive delivery was suffused with great humanity
In praise of … the viola | Editorial

Editorial: It is no coincidence that the viola is favoured by composers: Mozart, Dvorak, Hindemith, Britten, John Cale, Jocelyn Pook
Edinburgh international festival highlights to reflect on war

Event to coincide with centenary of first world war but conflicts including apartheid and the Trojan war will also be remembered
Priestley, Pears and Redgrave among leftwingers spied on by MI5, files reveal

Secret files reveal how calls and letters were intercepted and how MI5 informants reported on activities from 1930s onwards