In John Dowland, Britten found a kindred spirit who shared his love for the beauty of the English language and a rare gift for illuminating poetry with music. And in Henry Purcell, he discovered both a shared affinity for the theater and a sense of musical structure and style ideally matched to his own.
Read MoreFrom the beginning of Benjamin Britten’s career, it was apparent that there was a deep connection between the English composer and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Read MoreGone are the ponderous sonorities and heavy textures so prominent in Vaughan Williams’ earlier music. In their place, we find a work of majestic power and shimmering beauty.
Read MoreThe tragedies and triumphs of war have inspired composers to create some of their greatest work. In World War II, governments realized that artists could be more useful to the war effort in their trained discipline than as conscripted soldiers, and composers were encouraged to produce work supporting national morale and the education of the public.
Read MoreThough originally intended (as was everything else for the coronation) for Edward VIII, the royal family quickly embraced the piece, and it has become a standard anthem at royal occasions.
Read MoreAn academic analysis of the work written to accompany a lecture-recital.
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