Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) English composer, whose works include "Peter Grimes", "Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra", "Billy Budd", and "Death in Venice". Samuel Barber (1910-1981) American composer, whose works include "Adagio for Strings", "Vanessa", "Antony and Cleopatra", and "The Lovers". In clear, concise language - supported by a free music CD - Felsenfeld examines the major works of these two giants of modern music, helping us to understand their genius and better appreciate their music. The author points out parallel developments in Britten and Barber's lives and careers: Both came of age in a time of war, a time of political and artistic unrest and upheaval, and both were celebrities in their own time; Both wrote music that was steeped in high romantic traditions, but could be astringent and spiky; Both wrote primarily - and most successfully - for the voice, but neither became ghettoized as a strictly vocal composer; Both were possessed of a flawless compositional technique, with a fluency that bordered on wizardry. Finally, both were prolific, involved musical presences on the world stage
