This is a comprehensive guide to Britten's work, aimed both at the nonspecialist and the music student. It sheds light on both the composer's stylistic and personal development, offering new interpretations of his operatic works and discussing his characteristic working methods. A distinguished team of contributors include some who worked with the composer during his lifetime, as well as leading representatives of the younger generation of Britten scholars on both sides of the Atlantic. "...all the contributors share a keen awareness of how the composer's music speaks forcibly to a wide audience, even to those listeners whose lack of confidence in musical technicalities might influence them to shy away from a contemporary idiom." Reference and Research Book News "The most comprehensive collection of essays on Britten and his music to date, this volume goes beyond the usual subjects that one can fine [sic] in a dozen other Britten volumes...and explores a host of other areas." Choice "For those attracted to Britten's operas, other vocal works, chamber music, and symphonic compositions, this book is highly recommended. The authors' insights about his output and artistic point of view are likely to be what most readers expect to gain from their reading." The Opera Journal ""Listeners new to Britten's music will find it highly useful, as will those who are more familiar with his music and the literature that has grown up around it." Opera Quarterly "Any serious student of Britten will want to own this book..." Notes A comprehensive Companion to Britten's music and life. Used Book in Good Condition