Benjamin Britten and Samuel Barber were two of the most influential composers of the second half of the twentieth century. In this resource for scholars and music lovers, journalist and composer Felsenfeld provides biographical sketches of these composers. He also suggests ways of thinking about each of eight works in special "listening" chapters. The accompanying full-length music CD features the composers' most popular works as well as some lesser-known pieces. The volume is not indexed. Annotation 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)