Book description
Best remembered for his operas and his War Requiem, Benjamin
Britten's radical politics and his sexuality have also ensured that he
remains a controversial public figure. Journeying Boy is a selection
of his diaries that offer the reader an unseen insight into this
complex man. Encompassing the years 1928-1938, they explore some key
periods of Britten's life - his early compositions, his education
first under composer Frank Bridge and then at the Royal College of
Music, an unhappy but productive period studying under John Ireland
and Ralph Vaughan Williams, and his reluctant and often painful
process of parting from the warm, safe environment of his family home
and his beloved mother. The diaries cast light on an often
misrepresented musician whose technique, originality and musical
prowess have entranced audiences for generations and who continues to
inspire composers and musicians around the world.
John Evans completed his doctoral studies on Benjamin Britten at
the University of Wales in 1984. After five years as Research Scholar
at the Britten-Pears Library and Archive he joined BBC Radio 3,
becoming the network's Head of Music in 1993. His publications include
Benjamin Britten: Pictures from a Life 1913-1976 and A Britten Source
Book. He is currently President and Executive Director of the Oregon
Bach Festival in the United States.
