Benjamin Britten ( 1913 – 1976 )

Benjamin Britten , noted English composer, pianist and conductor, has won international fame for writing works that range from arrangements of folk songs for voice and piano to operas .

He has born in the county of Suffolk, in 1913 . Benjamin’s father was a dentist, and a music lover, his mother played the piano and sang. Benjamin began to play the piano and composed his first musical piece when he was five. After leaving school he entered the Royal College of Music where he studied for three years .

At 19 Benjamin began to work as a musician for a small film company writing music for films and later for radio plays , as well as children’s songs . When the Second World War broke out, Britten gave concerts for the British army, never giving up composing music .

His greatest achievement, however, was creating operas, among the most popular are “Peter Grimes“ performed in many countries. It’s an exiting story about a poor fisherman who is falsly accused and driven out of his native village , and the children’s opera “Noyes Fludde“. Britten is famous for using children’s voices both in religious and circular music .

Among his best works is the sombre “ War Requiem “ expressing the composer’s hatred for war and death. Melodious and not difficult, Britten’s music can be enjoyed by music lovers of all ages. Living in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, Britten started in 1948 the annual Aldeburgh music festival, a high – quality classical music festival still held in the town every June and known for its relatively informal atmosphere. For his achievements in music Benjamin was awarded the Order of Merit in 1956 .

Benjamin Britten died in 1976, when he was only 63 years old . But his creations are still popular

now and millions of people still admire them .