Happy Birthday Britten!
Today marks the birth anniversary of Edward Benjamin Britten – a towering figure in the world of music, born on November 22, 1913, in Lowestoft, England. Widely regarded as the leading English composer of the 20th century, Britten’s operas are often lauded as the finest since the days of Henry Purcell nearly 300 years earlier.
Britten’s extraordinary journey in music began against the odds. At just three months old, he contracted pneumonia and came close to losing his life. Though he survived, the illness left him with a damaged heart, a condition that would shadow him throughout his years.
Early Life and Spark of Genius
Britten’s musical journey started at home. His mother, recognising his talent early, gave him piano lessons as a young child. By the age of five, he was already attempting his first compositions – a clear sign of the prodigious talent that would define his career. His gift earned him a scholarship to the prestigious Royal College of Music in London, where his artistic horizons expanded.
During his time in London, Britten fell in love with concert-going, immersing himself in the works of modern composers such as Stravinsky, Shostakovich, and Mahler, all of whom would influence his own compositional voice.
Rising Star and Early Career
From 1935 to 1937, Britten’s creativity blossomed as he wrote nearly 40 scores for theatre, cinema, and radio – a testament to his versatility and prolific nature. However, as the shadow of war loomed over Britain, his pacifist views made life increasingly difficult. In early 1939, Britten crossed the Atlantic to America, where he would spend several formative years.
Return to England and a Defining Legacy
Britten returned to England in 1942, and soon after, he composed one of his most iconic works, “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra” (Hands up if you remember this from school music lessons! 🙋) Commissioned for an educational documentary titled Instruments of the Orchestra, the piece is a masterclass in orchestration, showcasing the individual sections of the orchestra while celebrating the music of Purcell – a fitting nod to Britten’s illustrious predecessor.
Throughout the 1950s, Britten solidified his place as a composer of operas with enduring appeal. One standout piece from this period is “Gloriana” (1953), written to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Later Years and Honours
In his later years, Britten faced significant health challenges. A heart operation in May 1973 successfully replaced a failing valve but left him with a stroke that impaired his right hand, marking the end of his performing career. Despite his health struggles, Britten continued to compose and receive recognition for his immense contributions to music.
In 1976, Britten was awarded a life peerage – the first composer to receive this honour – and became Baron Britten. However, his health continued to decline, and on December 4 of that year, he passed away from congestive heart failure.