Edward Benjamin Britten, Baron Britten, (November 22, 1913 - December 4, 1976) was an English composer, conductor and pianist. Britten showed talent from an early age. He studied at the Royal College of Music in London and privately with the composer Frank Bridge. He first came to public attention with the a cappella choral work A Boy Was Born in 1934. With the premiere of Peter Grimes in 1945, he leapt to international fame. Over the next 28 years, he wrote 14 more operas, establishing himself as one of the leading 20th century composers in the genre. Recurring themes in the operas are the struggle of an outsider against a hostile society, and the corruption of innocence. Britten's other works range from orchestral to choral, solo vocal, chamber and instrumental as well as film music. He took a great interest in writing music for children and amateur performers, including the opera Noye's Fludde, a Missa Brevis, and the song collection Friday Afternoons. He often composed with particular performers in mind. His most frequent and important muse was his personal and professional partner, the tenor Peter Pears. Britten was a celebrated pianist and conductor, performing many of his own works in concert and on record. He died of congestive heart failure in 1976 at the age of 63. No photographer credited, autographed, undated.