When and where was Benjamin Britten born?
Edward Benjamin Britten was born on the 22nd of November 1913 in the fishing port of Lowestoft on the east coast of England. He was born on the feast day of Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music.
Common questions about Benjamin Britten
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who were the key musical influences on Benjamin Britten during his early training?
Frank Bridge served as Benjamin Britten's primary composition teacher and introduced him to modern composers like Debussy and Ravel. Harold Samuel taught Benjamin Britten piano while he attended public school and made regular day-trips to London for lessons.
When did Benjamin Britten meet Peter Pears and how did their relationship develop?
Benjamin Britten met the tenor Peter Pears in 1937 while clearing out a mutual friend's country cottage. They consummated their relationship in April 1939 and remained partners in both professional and personal lives until Benjamin Britten's death.
What major opera did Benjamin Britten compose after returning to England from the United States?
Benjamin Britten composed the opera Peter Grimes based on a poem by the poet George Crabbe after reading the work in 1942. The opera opened in June 1945 and was hailed as the first genuinely successful British opera since Purcell.
When was the Snape Maltings concert hall opened and what was its significance to the Aldeburgh Festival?
The 830-seat Snape Maltings hall was opened by the Queen at the start of the twentieth Aldeburgh Festival on the 2nd of June 1967. It provided a venue that could comfortably house large orchestral works and operas after the original festival venues were outgrown.
When and how did Benjamin Britten die and where was he buried?
Benjamin Britten died of congestive heart failure on the 4th of December 1976 at the age of 63. He was buried in the churchyard of Aldeburgh Parish Church three days later, side by side with the future grave of Peter Pears.