Benjamin Britten was a most reluctant public speaker. Yet his contributions were without doubt a major factor in the transformation during his lifetime of the structure of the art-music industry. This book, by bringing together all his published articles, unpublished speeches, drafts, and transcriptions of numerous radio interviews, explores the paradox of a reluctant yet influential cultural commentator, artist, and humanist. Whether talking about his own music, about the role of the artist in society, about music criticism, or wading into a debate on soviet ideology at the height of the cold war, Britten always gave a performance which reinforced the notion of a private man who nonetheless saw the importance of public disclosure.

About the Author
Paul Kildea is a conductor who has written widely on music and culture.

Reviews
Review from previous edition ... indispensable collection of writings and transcripts. * Ian Bostridge, Times Literary Supplement *
This is a book that needed to be published and Britten fans will be delighted that it has been done so well. * Alexander Waugh, Literary Review *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199550975
Author Paul Kildea
Format Paperback
Page Count 466
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 711g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 155mm * 26mm