Peter Grimes

Peter Grimes, a fisherman in a small coastal town, is accused of mistreating his apprentice, who has died under mysterious circumstances at sea. Though cleared of legal guilt, he faces the judgment and hostility of the villagers. Determined to prove himself, Peter takes on another young apprentice. But against the harshness of the sea and increasing pressure from the village, his fragile grip on reality begins to crumble. Tragedy strikes again when the second apprentice dies. Consumed by guilt and madness, the alienated Peter returns to the sea.

Benjamin Britten

Britten’s work is often characterised by its emotional richness, technical brilliance and ability to connect human drama with larger natural and social forces. Reoccurring elements – thematic motifs, atmospheric orchestration and psychological insight – infuse his operas with layers of meaning, allowing for deeper exploration into the minds of his protagonists. Though rooted in tonality, Britten frequently employs dissonance to heighten tension and portray psychological complexity. Listen out for Peter Grimes’ aria ‘Now the Great Bear and Pleiades’, which uses unconventional harmonic shifts to reflect the fisherman’s alienation and inner turmoil.