Benjamin Britten [Paperback]

Benjamin Britten (191376) changed the course of English music with highly original works such as his operaPeter Grimes. While his?music is?performed more widely than those of any other English composer, his international success did not prevent him from continuing to draw inspiration from his native land. In this engaging biography, the author creates a portrait of a great artist, exploring his wide-ranging compositions in detail?and discussing the many contradictions that pervaded Britten's fascinating life and career.
Michael Oliver, who sadly died in 2002, was?well known as a writer and broadcaster, having written and compiled numerous programmes for BBC Radio 3 and written regularly forGramophoneand other magazines for over 20 years. He was also the author ofIgor Stravinskyin the 20th-Century Composers series. Enthusiastically recommended. Library Journal

Finely balanced and beautifully written. Opera

Masterfully written. A highly recommended book. Scenaria

Michael Olivers Phaidon volume on Britten is one of the best in the series to date. The only regret, says Michael Tanner, is that the book isnt longer. Classic CD

On the20th Century ComposersSeries

As a series, Phaidon's20th Century Composershas brought remarkable variety and a welter of information, both necessary and delightfully trivial. Intended both for the general reader and for the more enthusiastically musical. The Scotsman