Four last songs

Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901), Richard Strauss (1864-1949), Olivier Messiaen (1908-92), and Benjamin Britten (1913-76) all wrote operas late in life, pieces that reveal unique responses to the challenges of growing older. For all four composers, far from sapping their creative power, age provided impetus for some of their best accomplishments. Four last songs provides a valuable look at the challenges--and opportunities--that present themselves as artists grow older