Music school honors legendary composer

To pay tribute to the influential composer Benjamin Britten, the School of Music has assembled an eight day celebration -- that began Monday -- to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his death. \nThe week's festivities include lectures and performances of Britten's work by music students and faculty.\nBorn in England in 1913, Britten wrote numerous operas and folk songs that have been performed in concert halls and opera houses throughout the world. \n"He loved the voice and definitely loved words," said Mary Ann Hart, an associate professor of music. \nGradually, Britten developed strong singing skills and started devoting much of his time to composition. He worked closely with his partner and lover, Peter Pears. \nBritten had a difficult time living in a society that rejected his sexual orientation, and he expressed this in his music. \n"Being a homosexual, he dealt with themes of alienation from society in his music," Ross Ewing, a senior piano major, said. \nHart said the special relationship he had with Pears greatly influenced his style of composition.\n"Much of his vocal music was written for the voice of Peter Pears," Hart said. "The tenors are having a lot of fun with this music this week." \nEwing said Britten was influenced by the presence of youth, which led him to create many of his main characters in his plays as children.\n"Their innocence was a characteristic he valued highly," he said.\nWhile he is best known for his vocal music and operas, Hart said Britten's music encompassed a wide range of styles and themes.\nTo further diversify his inspiration, Hart said Britten adapted many novels and poems. \n"He was very literate and loved words," she said. "He sets the text to music with tremendous imagination and clarity." \nThe festivities continued Wednesday with a lecture by Professor Peter Burkholder, which dealt with Britten's homosexuality. This was followed by a performance of some of the best known religious music written by Britten, such as "The Five Canticles." \nProfessor Michael Hatfield, chair of the brass department, said the Britten Song Festival promises to offer the best of an exceptional artist. \n"Britten's compositions have withstood the test of time," he said. "The festival will give everyone a chance to listen to some excellent music." \nThe celebration continues tonight and Friday evening with performances of some of Britten's folksongs. The musical festivities will conclude Monday with more renditions of Britten's folk songs. \nAll performances will be held in either Auer Hall or Recital Hall. The recitals are free and open to the public. For a schedule of events, check out www.music.indiana.edu.