British Music- Britten and Maxwell Davies

Overview

Benjamin Britten and Peter Maxwell Davies are two of the most important British composers from the Western Classical Tradition since 1913.
Both are known for their distinctive and innovative compositional styles, reflecting various influences such as literature, environmental concerns and political issues.

Britten was one of the 20th century’s great opera composers. His works include Peter Grimes, Billy Budd, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Described as a master of music drama and orchestration, Britten’s works are often characterised by their emotive power and use of musical symbolism.
He is credited with reviving interest in English opera, largely absent since the days of Henry Purcell in the late 17th century.
Britten’s music showed an acute sensibility for setting text to music. This was particularly evident in his large body of choral and song compositions.
He constituted numerous innovations and adaptations of form, harmony and tonality - including the use of atonality and altered tonality.

Davies was known for his broad range of works, including symphonies, operas, chamber music, orchestral pieces, and music theatre.
His music was often inspired or influenced by environmental concerns, with works like Antarctic Symphony expressing his views on climate change.
Davies also had a strong interest in early music (mediaeval and renaissance periods). He often incorporated elements such as plainsong and canons into his works.
His music often reflects a strong sense of Scottish identity and kinship with his adopted home in the Orkney Islands.
Notable compositions from Davies include Eight Songs for a Mad King and The Lighthouse. His use of musical drama and ability to meld different musical genres made his works unique.

Both Britten and Davies were pioneers in their respective musical fields and in the wider Western Classical Tradition since 1913.
They each had unique approaches to their compositions, specifically regarding their use of drama, text-setting, and incorporation of various influences.
However, their styles were quite distinct. Where Britten’s works often contain intensely emotional and humanistic themes, Davies’ music often reflects more abstract themes such as nature, politics and issues of cultural identity.
Britten and Davies both significantly contributed to the development of opera in the 20th century, although their operas differed dramatically in style and subject matter.