Letters from a life : the selected letters and diaries of Benjamin Britten, 1913-1976 /

Britten was a prolific letter-writer and diarist. These first two volumes of Donald Mitchell's compilation take the reader only to 1945; obviously, more volumes are anticipated. Britten also lived in "exciting times," and the observations recorded in his writings cover a surprisingly wide range: the cultural scene in Britain of the 1930s and '40s; the rise of Nazism and fascism; WW II; friendships with Auden, Copland, and many others; an extended residence in America; and the genesis of specific works (most notably Peter Grimes). This wealth of historical material not to mention the fascinating chronicle of a major composer's creative growth and development are reason enough to make the publication of Britten's writings an important event. When these two volumes appeared in Britain in 1991, interest of a very different and rather prurient nature was widespread, as the writings document Britten's long-standing homosexual relationship with Peter Pears (commonly acknowledged throughout the musical world for many decades, although both Britten and Pears were circumspect with regard to their private lives). The great bond between these two figures is an important one, for a number of reasons: much of Britten's music was conceived with Pears in mind as interpreter, and the theme of the "outsider" underscores many of his works. The complexity of the relationship itself is fascinating, especially when counterbalanced against that of the other great love of Britten's life, for his mother. Beyond this, however, anyone looking for steamy scenes or x-rated material is bound to be disappointed. This reviewer found only one shocking aspect to these volumes: the sloppy state of Britten's spelling and punctuation! The editors have done an expert job of assembling and organizing the material. Footnotes are revealing and incisive, and the whole is preceded by a brilliant 60-page introductory essay. An exhaustive bibliography and lovingly chosen photograph "album" complete the package. Highly recommended a must for larger public libraries and every academic library.-E. Schwartz, Bowdoin College