Benjamin Britten - Sweet Polly Oliver

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As sweet Polly Oliver lay musing in bed
A sudden strange fancy came into her head
"Nor father nor mother shall make me false prove
I'll 'list as a soldier, and follow my love."

So early next morning she softly arose
And dressed herself up in her dead brother's clothes
She cut her hair close, and she stained her face brown
And went for a soldier to fair London Town

Then up spoke the sergeant one day at his drill
"Now who's good for nursing? A captain, he's ill."
"I'm ready," said Polly. To nurse him she's gone
And finds it's her true love all wasted and wan

The first week the doctor kept shaking his head
"No nursing, young fellow, can save him," he said
But when Polly Oliver had nursed him back to life
He cried, "You have cherished him as if you were his wife"

O then Polly Oliver, she burst into tears
And told the good doctor her hopes and her fears
And very shortly after, for better or for worse
The captain took joyfully his pretty soldier nurse

Release Date: October 08, 2023

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Benjamin Britten

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Benjamin Britten, born in 1913 in Suffolk, England, was a renowned composer of the 20th century, particularly known for his operas. He began his musical education at an early age and went on to study at the prestigious Royal College of Music. It was during his time at the college that he fell into the circle of poet W.H. Auden, who would become a significant influence on his work.

Although Britten left Auden's circle after a few years, he met the tenor Peter Pears, who would not only become his greatest musical interpreter but also his personal partner until Britten's death. The two collaborated on many projects together, with Pears often performing in Britten's operas and other compositions.

During World War II, Britten spent some time in America, where he continued to compose and gain recognition for his work. However, it was in 1945 that he truly leapt to prominence with the premiere of his opera Peter Grimes, which was met with critical acclaim.

Throughout his career, Britten continued to compose operas, including Albert Herring, Billy Budd, The Turn of the Screw, and Death in Venice, all of which solidified his reputation as one of the greatest opera composers of his time. In addition to his operatic works, Britten also wrote music for other venues, with notable successes including the Serenade for Tenor, Horn, and Strings; the Variations on a Theme by Frank Bridge; the Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra; and the War Requiem.

In recognition of his contributions to music, Britten was awarded a life peerage by the British crown shortly before his death in 1976. His legacy continues to live on through his timeless compositions, which are still performed and celebrated by musicians and audiences around the world.