Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) was a 20th century composer who wrote many works for string instruments, particularly string quartets, violin and piano, and cello and piano. His best known works include the operas Peter Grimes and Billy Budd, and the large-scale oratorio, War Requiem for chorus and orchestra. His piece for children, The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, is still widely performed as an educational work.