November 22, 2013 marks the centennial of Benjamin Britten, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential British composers. He was himself an excellent pianist, but apart from some early works such as the Holiday Diary, the Piano Concerto, and the Young Apollo, he composed very little for piano. In a 1963 BBC interview, he stated that he thought of it as a ‘background instrument.’ Some of his early piano works display a dashing, virtuosic style, and the Holiday Diary with its lively rhythmic impetus is no exception. All the works in the cycle are inspired by activities Britten enjoyed during his summer seaside vacations. The waltzes opus 5 were written when Britten was only 12, and even though he jokingly states that “here was - I am afraid - no Mozart,” they provide an early look at his characteristic wit and elegance.Steven Vanhauwaert
Classical Music | Piano Music
Benjamin Britten
Waltz Op. 3 No. 1 Play
Recorded on 06/05/2013, uploaded on 12/09/2013
Musician's or Publisher's Notes
November 22, 2013 marks the centennial of Benjamin Britten, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential British composers. He was himself an excellent pianist, but apart from some early works such as the Holiday Diary, the Piano Concerto, and the Young Apollo, he composed very little for piano. In a 1963 BBC interview, he stated that he thought of it as a ‘background instrument.’ Some of his early piano works display a dashing, virtuosic style, and the Holiday Diary with its lively rhythmic impetus is no exception. All the works in the cycle are inspired by activities Britten enjoyed during his summer seaside vacations. The waltzes opus 5 were written when Britten was only 12, and even though he jokingly states that “here was - I am afraid - no Mozart,” they provide an early look at his characteristic wit and elegance. Steven Vanhauwaert
More music by Benjamin Britten
Phantasy Quartet, Op. 2
Procession
That Yonge Child
Lachrymae, Op. 48
Let the florid music praise!, from On This Island, Op. 11
On This Island
Now the leaves are falling fast, from On This Island, Op. 11
Spring Carol
Seascape, from On This Island, Op. 11
This Little Babe
Performances by same musician(s)
Prelude Op. 23, No. 3 in D minor
Early Morning Bathe, from Holiday Diary, Op. 5 No. 1
Night Piece
Piano Sonata No. 2 in f-sharp minor
Étude no. 1, in Thirds, op. 42
Transcendental Etude no. 11, Harmonies du Soir
Prelude Op. 23, No. 4 4 in D Major
Prelude Op. 23, No. 5 in G minor
Prelude Op. 23, No. 1 in F-Sharp minor
Prelude Op. 23, No. 2 in B-flat Major
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