This is the full text of the speech made by Benjamin Britten when he was presented with the first Aspen Award at Aspen, Colorado, on 31st July, 1964. It is a fascinating document in which, for the first time, Britten set down some of his beliefs and convictions as an artist. The speech, which has been constantly quoted and referred to in the years since its first publication, not only throws light on his creative personality and practice but also illuminates many of the issues which are the concern of all those with an interest in the arts of the present day. It has long been out of print and this re-issue of the original edition will undoubtedly find many new readers.