Director Tony Britten's drama documentary examines the acclaimed composer's lifelong commitment to pacifism. Using a dramatic narrative to explore the development of Britten's pacifist beliefs during the time he spent at the liberally progressive Gresham's School in Norfolk between the years of 1928-1930, the film charts a time which marked a crucial period of the composer's personal and musical development. Interwoven throughout are contemporary performances of the composer's works and contributions from, amongst others, conductor and composer Joseph Horovitz, cellists Anita Lasker Wallfisch and Raphael Wallfisch, and Britten's agent for many years, Sue Phipps. John Hurt narrates.

Sting and his wife Trudie Styler, along with an ensemble of actors, singers and musicians, bring to life the tragic love between the composer Robert Schumann and his pianist wife Clara Wieck. Reflecting the separation that came to be such a central theme of their lives, the performers are divided into male and female groups. Sting reads the letters of Robert Schumann, with his songs sung by Iain Burnside, while Trudie Styler reads Clara's letters, with her songs being sung by Rebecca Evans.

Sting and his wife Trudie Styler, along with an ensemble of actors, singers and musicians, bring to life the tragic love between the composer Robert Schumann and his pianist wife Clara Wieck. Reflecting the separation that came to be such a central theme of their lives, the performers are divided into male and female groups. Sting reads the letters of Robert Schumann, with his songs sung by Iain Burnside, while Trudie Styler reads Clara's letters, with her songs being sung by Rebecca Evans.