Aldeburgh Music

The introduction to Bridge and his music was to prove the most enduring influence on Britten’s formative years. Bridge is credited with honing his young charge’s technique but also opening up a wider appreciation of European contemporary music and of the arts in general.

‘He gave me a broader horizon generally’ Britten said in later life, recalling of his training ‘the two cardinal principles … that you should try to find yourself and be true to what you found … [and] ... good technique, the business of saying clearly what was in one’s mind.’

The two composers sit side by side in each of these three concerts in programmes that also include Britten’s other youthful enthusiasms, the first Aldeburgh performance of a Britten cello work, performances of Bridge’s neglected output of songs and the debut performance of a new string ensemble.