Benjamin Britten - Sephestia's Lullaby

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Weep not, my wanton, smile upon my knee;
When thou art old there 's grief enough for thee
Mother's wag, pretty boy
Father's sorrow, father's joy;
When thy father first did see
Such a boy by him and me
He was glad, I was woe;
Fortune changed made him so
When he left his pretty boy
Last his sorrow, first his joy
Weep not, my wanton, smile upon my knee;
When thou art old there 's grief enough for thee
Streaming tears that never stint
Like pearl-drops from a flint
Fell by course from his eyes
That one another's place supplies;
Thus he grieved in every part
Tears of blood fell from his heart
When he left his pretty boy
Father's sorrow, father's joy
Weep not, my wanton, smile upon my knee;
When thou art old there 's grief enough for thee
The wanton smiled, father wept
Mother cried, baby leapt;
More he crow'd, more we cried
Nature could not sorrow hide:
He must go, he must kiss
Child and mother, baby bliss
For he left his pretty boy
Father's sorrow, father's joy
Weep not, my wanton, smile upon my knee
When thou art old there 's grief enough for thee

Release Date: January 03, 1948

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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.