Peter Pears Movies

A biographical documentary that profiles composer-pianist Benjamin Britten (1913-1976). Still widely regarded as one of the most astonishing musical talents in British history, Britten drew many a comparison to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; he enjoyed his most prol...

A portrait of one of England's greatest composers. Winner of the Prix Italia.

Tony Palmer's documentary about the staging of Britten's choral work.

Benjamin Britten, Nocturne for Tenor, Chamber Opera Orchestra

Tony Palmer directs this documentary exploring the life and work of the celebrated English composer, conductor and pianist. Britten is particularly well known for his operas, which include 'Peter Grimes' and 'Death in Venice'. Palmer discusses the life experie...

A behind-the-scenes look at the Aldeburgh Festival and the opening by The Queen of the new concert hall at Snape.

A version of Benjamin Britten's opera based on the Melville story. Will the virtuous young sailor Billy Budd be hanged for murder?

This 1969 BBC production is about as close as we can get to a definitive version of Benjamin Britten's PETER GRIMES, one of the greatest 20th Century operas. The story of the individualistic fisherman hounded by his neighbors who believe he murdered his young...

A family conflict ensues after Owen, the youngest of the proud military family Wingrave, expected to continue the family tradition and become a soldier, rejects violence and war and proclaims himself a pacifist.

Children and childhood fascinated Benjamin Britten throughout his life and inspired some of his greatest music. John Bridcut's compelling film sheds light on the composer's own inner child throiugh interviews with several of Britten's former companions and mus...

This TV production is from 1970 and the color picture is accordingly rich and beautiful. The sound however is below average for the era, but still ... twiddle the knobs, turn the bass up a little, and get acclimated. This is a fully traditional production, act...

BBC documentary exploring the dynamic relationship that developed between British composer Benjamin Britten and the BBC as they worked together to broadcast modern classical music further and wider. Through this collaboration, Britten's music reached televisio...

A specially staged 1970 BBC television performance of Schubert's Winterreise by Peter Pears and Benjamin Britten.

Long considered lost footage, this exceptional concert, which originally aired April 14, 1968, on the BBC, is a full-colour performance of Edward Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius recorded inside the stunning Canterbury Cathedral and featuring three of the greate...

First transmitted in 1964, Benjamin Britten's War Requiem is performed at the Royal Albert Hall. The Melos Ensemble is conducted by Benjamin Britten, and the performers include Heather Harper (soprano),Peter Pears (tenor),Thomas Hemsley (baritone) and Simon...