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Benjamin Britten is one of the most extraordinary composers of the 20th century. His motto was simple: "our job is to be useful, and to the living." And to this end, he poured out a torrent of music for every conceivable occasion - grand opera, symphony, concerto, a War Requiem, children's pieces - all of it passionate, traditional but with an acutely modern flavor, above all tuneful. His music is now in the standard repertoire of orchestras around the world.
As a composer and a man he had many remarkable collaborators. The novelist E.M. Foster; the cellist Rostropovich; the guitarist Julian Bream; and above all the tenor Peter Pears. Theirs was a loving relationship whose deep mutual understanding brought forth some of the most beautiful love music of our century.
This film is both a celebration of Benjamin Britten's life and work, and a first hand account of an inspired and inspiring human relationship.
Featuring Music from:
Peter Grimes The Rape of Lucretia Billy Budd Turn of the Screw Noye's Fludde A Midsummer Night's Dream Curlew River The Burning Fiery Furnace Phaedra Death in Venice War Requiem Nocturne Prince of the Pagodas Les Illuminations Building of the House Nocturnal The Way to the Sea Night Mail Sinfonia da Requiem Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra
"Palmer is a master of the medium - he takes us into the minds of men of music and explains why they accomplished what they did. This is the most absorbing film ever made about a composer, how he worked, what he thought and what made him what he was. It is as important as any book written on the man and his music." - John Ardoin, The New York Times.
"Tony Palmer proves once again he is a deeply intuitive, caring and thoughtful filmmaker, second to none. This was a loving portrait of a most remarkable and gifted man." - Martin Jackson, The Daily Mail
Benjamin BrittenLeonard BernsteinPeter PearsBarbara BrittenBeth Welford (sister)Sviatoslav RichterJanet BakerImogen HolstBilly BuddJulian BreamHeather HarperJohn Shirley-QuirkRosamund StrodeRudolf Bing and many others.
The English Chamber Orchestra Conductor: Steuart Bedford
Director: Tony Palmer Associate Producer: Donald Mitchell Executive Producer: Nick Elliott Film Editor: Graham Bunn Edited by: Melvyn Bragg Researchers: Jill Burrows and Annunziata Asquith Camera: Nick Knowland Sound Dubbing: Bill Rowe with Ray Merrin
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