Britten's "eclecticism" incorporates elements from Bach, Schubert, Berg, Stravinsky, and Purcell. The opening of Peter Grimes is described as having been "lifted" from one of the Brandenburg Concertos, while in Act II the burgesses' hornpipe and the singing of the rector are considered "sheer Schubert." Britten is compared without elaboration to Berg in terms of harmony, while Stravinsky is evoked in relation to parody in Albert Herring. Purcell's influence is described as "the most fruitful and readily definable" of Britten's manners, but this is not elaborated.

Works: Britten: Peter Grimes (248), Sinfonia da Requiem (249), Beggar's Opera (249), Spring Symphony (249), Albert Herring (249), Saint Nicolas (249), String Quartet No. 2 (249), Violin Concerto (249).

Index Classifications: 1900s

Contributed by: Nikola D. Strader