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Benjamin Britten was one of the most influential British composers of the 20th century, with celebrated works such as 'Peter Grimes', 'Friday Afternoons' or 'A Simple Symphony'. Music infused his very first moments in life and he started to develop his musical instincts from a very early age. Many of his future masterpieces can be traced back to the inspiration of his youth. This week, Donald Macleod explores these crucial early years in Britten's creative story, from his birth under the star of St Cecilia to his departure for America at 25 years old.

In this first episode, between the sounds of the sea and the singing afternoons with mother in 'heaven', we listen to the first musical experiments of a little prodigy from Suffolk.

Hymn to St Cecilia, Op 27
Tenebrae
Nigel Short, director

Four Sea Interludes, Op 33a (from 'Peter Grimes')
´óÏó´«Ã½ Philharmonic
Edward Gardner, conductor

A Charm of Lullabies, Op 41 (arr for voice and orchestra by Colin Matthews)
No 1, 'A Cradle Song'
No 2, 'The Highland Balou'
No 3, 'Sephestia’s Lullaby'
Dame Sarah Connolly, mezzo-soprano
´óÏó´«Ã½ Symphony Orchestra
Edward Gardner conductor

Five Waltzes
Stephen Hough, piano

Beware! Three Early Songs
No 1, 'Beware'
No 2, 'O that I had ne’er been Married'
Philip Smith, baritone
Nicky Spence, tenor
Malcolm Martineau, piano

On This Island, Op 11
No 3, 'Seascape'
Philip Langridge, tenor
Steuart Bedford, piano

Presented by Donald Macleod
Produced by Julien Rosa
A ´óÏó´«Ã½ Audio Wales & West production for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 3