Benjamin Britten
Letters from a Life: Selected Letters and Diaries of Benjamin Britten, Volume 2, 1939-45
1939-42: The American Years 1942-45: The Return to England: The Writing of Grimes
Britten on audiences not liking his works
Of course, one does feel rather sad, knowing if a piece of one’s music is announced on the radio, hundreds and thousands of people lean forward and change the channel.
On writing operas for young people
I find children highly receptive. Very choosy, perhaps. But if they like something, and it can be music as new or as old as you like, then their reaction is spontaneous and encouraging.