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Britten's pacifism

Scroll down the timeline to trace the roots of Britten's pacifist beliefs and explore the musical works that express them. Click on a topic for more information.

1915

1916

FAMILY HOME SHELLED BY GERMAN NAVY

1927

MEETS THE COMPOSER FRANK BRIDGE

1928

EARLY STANCE AGAINST CRUELTY

1935

HELPS DELIVER 'PEACE BALLOT' PAPERS

March 1936

PEACE OF BRITAIN

April 1936

VISITS BARCELONA AHEAD OF SPANISH CIVIL WAR

July 1936

OUR HUNTING FATHERS

1937

PACIFIST MARCH

1939

MOVES TO THE UNITED STATES

1942

RETURNS HOME AND BECOMES A CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR

1945

THE HOLY SONNETS OF JOHN DONNE

1954

CANTICLE III: STILL FALLS THE RAIN – THE RAIDS, 1940

1958

NOCTURNE

1962

WAR REQUIEM

1963

CANTATA MISERICORDIUM

1965

VOICES FOR TODAY

1969

CHILDREN’S CRUSADE

1969

WHO ARE THESE CHILDREN?

1970

OWEN WINGRAVE

1971

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