Benjamin Britten was one of the greatest composers of the twentieth century. He wrote a feast of music from an early age first achieving international fame in 1945 with his opera Peter Grimes; now more operas by Britten are performed worldwide than by any other composer born in the twentieth century. In this incisive guide John Bridcut discusses Brittens music & explores his musical influences his complex personality his emotional & professional relationships & the fascinating nooks & crannies of his daily life normally overlooked. An indispensable source of fresh insights into this towering figure in British music this is an updated edition of the Faber Pocket Guide to Britten" including the full text of Brittens speech " On Receiving the First Aspen Award"."