Composer Of The Week

Donald Macleod explores the early years in Benjamin Britten's creative storyBenjamin Britten was one of the most influential British composers of the 20th century, with celebrated works such as 'Peter Grimes', 'Friday Afternoons' or 'A Simple Symphony'. Music infused his very first moments in life and he started to develop his musical instincts from a very early age. Many of his future masterpieces can be traced back to the inspiration of his youth. This week, Donald Macleod explores these crucial early years in Britten's creative story, from his birth under the star of St Cecilia to his departure for America at 25 years old.Music featured:Hymn to St Cecilia, Op 27 Four Sea Interludes, Op 33a (from 'Peter Grimes') A Charm of Lullabies, Op 41 (arr for voice and orchestra by Colin Matthews) Five Waltzes Beware! Three Early Songs (No 1, 'Beware') On This Island, Op 11 (No 3, 'Seascape') Psalm 150, Op 67 Quatre chansons françaises Suite for harp in C major, Op 83 A Hymn to the Virgin A Walden Trio: Christmas Song