Peter Pears
Actor · 1910 – 1986 · Farnham, Surrey, England
Movies8
MovieMusicA version of Benjamin Britten's opera based on the Melville story. Will the virtuous young sailor Billy Budd be hanged for murder?
Billy Budd
1966
MovieDocumentaryMusicA behind-the-scenes look at the Aldeburgh Festival and the opening by The Queen of the new concert hall at Snape.
Movie9.0DocumentaryTony Palmer's documentary about the staging of Britten's choral work.
The Burning Fiery Furnace
1967 · 1 votes
MovieDocumentaryA portrait of one of England's greatest composers. Winner of the Prix Italia.
MovieDocumentaryTony Palmer directs this documentary exploring the life and work of the celebrated English composer, conductor and pianist. Britten is particularly well known for his operas, which include 'Peter Grimes' and 'Death in Venice'. Palmer discusses the life experiences that influenced Britten's work, such as the turmoil of World War II, which horrified his pacifistic nature, and reflects on the role of an artist in such troubled times.
MovieMusicDramaA family conflict ensues after Owen, the youngest of the proud military family Wingrave, expected to continue the family tradition and become a soldier, rejects violence and war and proclaims himself a pacifist.
Owen Wingrave
1971
MovieA biographical documentary that profiles composer-pianist Benjamin Britten (1913-1976). Still widely regarded as one of the most astonishing musical talents in British history, Britten drew many a comparison to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; he enjoyed his most prolific relationship, on both professional/creative and personal/romantic levels, with vocalist Peter Pears, for whom Britten created many of the central roles in his operas. Griffiths' film explores three of Britten's foremost works, +Peter Grimes, +Death in Venice, and +War Requiem, while touching on the professional and personal nuances of the men's relationship.
MovieDocumentaryChildren and childhood fascinated Benjamin Britten throughout his life and inspired some of his greatest music. John Bridcut's compelling film sheds light on the composer's own inner child throiugh interviews with several of Britten's former companions and muses.