´óÏó´«Ã½

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 third episode, young Britten is now immersed in the London life, thrilled to attend concerts and hoping to get his own music performed. But how to get his big breakthrough?

Three Divertimenti for String Quartet
2nd mvt, Waltz
Brodsky Quartet

Sinfonietta, Op 1
1st mvt, Poco presto ed agitato
´óÏó´«Ã½ Symphony Orchestra
Edward Gardner, conductor

Phantasy, Op 2, for oboe, violin, viola and violoncello
I. Andante alla marcia
II. Allegro giusto
Francois Leleux, oboe
Lisa Batiashvili, violin
Lawrence Power, viola
Sebastian Klinger, cello

Holiday Diary, Op 5 – suite for piano
Stephen Hough, piano

A Boy Was Born, Op 3
Variation I: 'Lullay, Jesu'
The Sixteen
Choristers of St Paul’s Cathedral (John Scott, choir director)
Harry Christophers, director

Simple Symphony, Op 4
English Chamber Orchestra
Benjamin Britten, conductor

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