Sir Patrick Stewart on Britten

The distinguished actor Sir Patrick Stewart on Peter Pears' uniquely authentic interpretations of Benjamin Britten's music, and on wishing he could sing A Midsummer Night's Dream. Just one of the Britten fans celebrating the composer's centenary at www.britten100.org.

[@williamadolphe7921]

Beautiful homage from one of the most cultured men in the world today.

[@MrSwifts31]

I was in the first cast(1958)of Noye's Fludde,I was 11(I was a donkey,with headdress).Ben was kind,helpful and supportive to us youngsters.He took great pains that were happy,and understood why and what our parts were.He however did not suffer adult singers to make mistakes.They were expected to know their part,both singing and acting. Peter pears was the opposite,which was probably why they worked so well together.Peter was kind,thoughtful and funny.He sat with us for breaks,and made sure we were fed and watered,right down to remembering what filling of sandwiches we liked.I also observed(yes I was nosy)even at a young age,the respect that they treated each other with.Of course being 11,I had no idea that they were a couple;indeed I now know they managed to keep their feelings for each other hidden(in public at least)as homosexuality was a severe criminal offence,punishable by a long prison sentence;and would have destroyed their musical life if it was revealed.Interestingly after Ben died,Peter(in the 1980) "came out"in a TV interview.They were both nice,kind & respectful of us young singers.I have such happy memories(even at 73) of that time.

[@williamadolphe7921]

Beautiful experience.

[@jimfoyle2817]

What lovely memories - such a privilege to have know him however briefly.

[@Follicks]

Thank you for sharing these memories with us.

[@olmaleo]

In any case, Sir Patrick has caught a point. The work of Benjamin Britten is so vast and so profound that in the future not so far it will be considered as the Shakespeare of music, at least for the most cultured and sensitive English citizens.

[@berbatov3890]

One master pays homage to another

[@mckavitt]

There truly is such sweetness in Pears's voice.

[@ikmarchini]

Spot on, Sir Patrick. The attached Serenade is one of the most intimate pieces ever written- a joining of souls. And the poetry!

[@johnharper7275]

Beautifully put by Sir Patrick.

[@loge10]

Agreed, Sir Patrick.

[@mckavitt13]

That first Serenade sounds like Pears at age 32 - 34. Wonderful!

[@johnpipkin7198]

Wonderful. Thank you !

[@elizabethwilcox8006]

absolutely love this piece....and of course, these musicians doing it!!

[@marka5478]

The Covent Garden performance of A Midsummers Night Dream featured the American countertenor Russell Oberlin.