Deeply moved to watch a repeat screening tonight, (4 Dec), of John Bridcut's documentary, Britten's Endgame, and to remember that it coincides with BB's death 40 years ago in 1976. Rather like the assassination of President Kennedy in Nov, 1963, people still recall where they were at the time the news broke. In 1976, I shared an office at the COI with a colleague who regularly attended the Aldeburgh Festival and an intense silence prevailed for most of the afternoon with only an occasional glance between us until we decided it was time to withdraw to the pub.
Forty years later, it is easier to empathise with Britten's final years as he struggled to complete Death in Venice when incapacitated and frail after his heart surgery in 1973 and yet had the creative urge to complete his String Qt 3. His resilience must have been formidable. Comforting to now have this programme on a HD recording for closer viewing.
Forty years later, it is easier to empathise with Britten's final years as he struggled to complete Death in Venice when incapacitated and frail after his heart surgery in 1973 and yet had the creative urge to complete his String Qt 3. His resilience must have been formidable. Comforting to now have this programme on a HD recording for closer viewing.