| 3 Sep 2011 - 4 Sep 2011 | All day | Girton College, University of Cambridge | |
- Description
Description
Convener
Dr Kate Kennedy (Girton College, University of Cambridge)
Summary
Benjamin Britten is one of the most eminent and influential figures in twentieth century British music. He was also one of the most literary composers in the English language, taking a vast array of poets and authors, and creating music that alters, enhances, and engages with text on a level arguably rarely attained by any other composer. His music has received much critical attention from musicologists, but his relationship to literature has rarely been the focus of discussion. Many literary critics are passionate about Britten, but have not had an academic forum in which to discuss his work.
This conference aims for the first time to approach Britten through his texts. It intends to provide an opportunity for musicologists and literary critics to share their work, with the intention of deepening understanding in both disciplines of the uniquely complex relationship between Britten's words and music.
The conference will include a concert held at Girton College on 4 September. It will feature the winner of the 2005 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Rosenblatt Recital Prize, tenor Andrew Kennedy, and actor Alex Jennings who will be reading texts set by Britten. For more information on the concert, please click here.
Sponsors
The conveners are grateful for the support of The Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (CRASSH), the Britten-Pears Foundation, Girton College and the Girton Town Charity.
Administrative assistance: Helga Brandt (Conference Programme Manager, CRASSH)
