BENJAMIN BRITTEN

Question 1

When was Benjamin Britten born?

Answer 1

November 22, 1913

Question 2

When did he begin to have a passion for music?

Answer 2

After listening to his mum sing

Question 3

At what age did he begin composing?

Answer 3

5

Question 4

At what age did he begin a partnership with the famous composer, Frank Bridge?

Answer 4

11

Question 5

What did Frank Bridge teacher Britten?

Answer 5

Many of the composing skills he would use later in life

Question 6

Name some of the compositions of Britten? (5)

Answer 6

1. The Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra
2. Ceremony of Carols
3. War Requiem
   4 The Opera, Peter Grimes
4. The Opera, Billy Budd

Question 7

What special award did Britten receive?

Answer 7

Many awards, including a medal from the United States Library of Congress

Question 8

Where does the word ‘orchestra’ come from?

Answer 8

Greek - it referred to the area in front of the stage in a Greek theatre used for dancing and singing. Later musicians played in this spot.