On This Island: The First Autobiography of Benjamin Britten

As England celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of its most famous composers, the world once again dives headlong into the music of Benjamin Britten. His works continue to endure nearly a century after their creation for many reasons, not least of which is the fascinating window to the soul of the composer himself that his pieces provide. What is arguably the first of many such works is Britten\u27s On this Island, a cycle of five songs set to poetry written by his close friend W. H. Auden. In this, his first of several song cycles, Britten uses the music and text to reveal several important aspects of his character, aspects that would shape him as a composer, musician, and man for years to come