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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 second episode, young Benjamin isn't particularly happy at school, but he is about to meet his musical hero, which will prove to be a turning point in his composing life...

Psalm 150, Op 67
New London Children's Choir
London Schools Symphony Orchestra
Steuart Bedford, conductor

Quatre chansons françaises
No 1, 'Nuits de juin'
No 2, 'Sagesse'
No 3, 'L’Enfance
No 4, 'Chanson d’automne'
Sandrine Piau, soprano
Orchestre Victor Hugo
Jean-Francois Verdier, conductor

Suite for harp in C major, Op 83
Magdalena Hoffmann, harp

A Hymn to the Virgin
Voces8

A Walden Trio: Christmas Song of the Women
New London Children’s Choir
Alexander Wells, piano
Ronald Corp, conductor

The Birds
New London Children’s Choir
Alexander Wells, piano
Ronald Corp, conductor

Twelve Variations on a Theme, for piano
Stephen Hough, piano

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