Main content

Pat Barker

Pat Barker chooses Who Are These Children? by Benjamin Britten

Fact title Fact data
Author
Books include Toby's Room (2012) Life Class (2007) and the Regeneration Trilogy. The third novel in the series, The Ghost Road, won the 1995 Booker Prize.

Who Are These Children? by Benjamin Britten

Pat Barker chooses Benjamin Britten's final song-cycle, Who Are These Children?,聽using words in the Scots dialect聽by the poet William Soutar, on the theme of childhood innocence.

From the Archive

Benjamin Britten

Britten talks to the 大象传媒 in 1969 about the recurring theme of innocence in his work.

From The Week Ahead 06 June 1969 on Radio 4

Peter Pears

Singer Peter Pears聽- Britten's life-long partner - gives a masterclass in 1979 on performing聽the Who Are These Children?

From Master Lesson 09 Nov 1979 on Radio 4

Gladys Parr

The opera singer聽Gladys Parr on Britten's opera for children, Noye's Fludd,聽and their antics during聽rehearsals.

Speaking to the 大象传媒聽30 Jan 1970 on Radio 4

Reputation

Singer Ian Bostridge and music writer Martin Kettle discuss the sensitive issue of Britten's fascination with children.