Benjamin Britten: A Life in the Twentieth Century

Product Description

Benjamin Britten was Britain's greatest twentieth-century composer, who broke decisively with figures such as Elgar and Vaughan Williams and recreated English music in a fresh, modern, European form. Paul Kildea's biography has been acclaimed as the definitive account of Britten's extraordinary life, exploring his deeply held and controversial pacifism; his complex forty-year relationship with Peter Pears; and his creation of an artistic community in Aldeburgh. Above all, however, this book helps us understand the relationship of Britten's music to his life, and takes us as far into its unique alchemy as we are ever likely to go.

'Delightful and compelling . . . it makes you want to drive straight to Aldeburgh and hear Britten's music.' Matthew Bell, Independent on Sunday

'Definitive.' Sunday Times

'Enthralling . . . a truly fascinating portrait of a genius.' Richard Morrison, The Times

'Kildea's bracingly opinionated and beautifully articulated book brings all Britten's complexities vividly to life.' Rupert Christiansen, Spectator

'Indispensable . . . this is a masterly, highly readable account and the most comprehensive to date.' Barry Millington, Evening Standard

'This book is a major achievement. And Kildea is a dazzling writer. Seldom will you encounter someone who writes so naturally and musically and well. There are a million brilliant, beautiful or striking sentences.' Jay Nordlinger, Standpoint