Dive into the world of British opera with Sir Peter Pears' stunning rendition of Benjamin Britten's "Peter Grimes," a seminal work in the classical repertoire. This 2010 release, originally recorded in 1985, captures the essence of Britten's masterpiece, conducted by the composer himself, ensuring an authentic and powerful performance.
Sir Peter Pears, renowned for his collaboration with Britten, delivers a tour de force as the titular character, Grimes. His nuanced and expressive vocals bring depth and complexity to the role, making this recording a standout in the opera's discography. The album features the full cast, including Claire Watson and the Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, providing a rich and immersive listening experience.
"Peter Grimes" is a gripping tale of a fisherman's struggle against societal prejudice and his own inner demons. The opera's dramatic score and evocative orchestration are beautifully realized in this performance, making it a quintessential addition to any classical music collection. With a runtime of over two hours, this album offers a comprehensive journey through Britten's operatic genius, showcasing the composer's unique ability to blend musical innovation with compelling storytelling.
This recording is not just a performance but a historical document, capturing a pivotal moment in the careers of both Britten and Pears. The album's detailed tracklist includes all three acts of the opera, allowing listeners to follow the narrative from beginning to end. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this recording of "Peter Grimes" is sure to captivate and inspire.
2010 Musical Concepts2010 Musical Concepts
Tracks
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus am Ölberge)Reinhold Bartel, Josef Bloser, Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus am Ölberge)Liselotte Rebman, Süddeutsche Chorvereinigung, Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra, Josef Bloser
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus am Ölberge)Reinhold Bartel, Josef Bloser, Liselotte Rebman, Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus am Ölberge)Reinhold Bartel, Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra, Josef Bloser, Süddeutsche Chorvereinigung
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus am Ölberge)Reinhold Bartel, Süddeutsche Chorvereinigung, Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra, Josef Bloser
Christ on the Mount of Olives (Christus am Ölberge)Reinhold Bartel, Liselotte Rebman, Stuttgart Philharmonic Orchestra, Josef Bloser, August Messthaler, Süddeutsche Chorvereinigung
Peter Grimes: Act OnePeter Pears, Raymond Nilsson, James Pease, Geraint Evans, Jean Watson, Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden & Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act OneDavid Kelly, Claire Watson, Geraint Evans, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act OneClaire Watson, David Kelly, Lauris Elms, Geraint Evans, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act OneJames Pease, Geraint Evans, Raymond Nilsson, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act OneJames Pease, Peter Pears, Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden & Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act OnePeter Pears, Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden & Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act OneOrchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden & Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act OneJean Watson, Lauris Elms, James Pease, Raymond Nilsson, Marion Studholme, Iris Kells, Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden & Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act OneJames Pease, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act OneGeraint Evans, Jean Watson, Lauris Elms, James Pease, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act OnePeter Pears, Marion Studholme, Iris Kells, Raymond Nilsson, James Pease, Jean Watson, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act OneGeraint Evans, Jean Watson, Peter Pears, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act OneJames Pease, Geraint Evans, Claire Watson, Raymond Nilsson, Jean Watson, Marion Studholme, Iris Kells, Peter Pears, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act TwoOrchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden & Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act TwoClaire Watson, John Lanigan, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act TwoClaire Watson, Peter Pears, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act TwoClaire Watson, Peter Pears, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act TwoJean Watson, Geraint Evans, Raymond Nilsson, Lauris Elms, James Pease, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act TwoJean Watson, Raymond Nilsson, Geraint Evans, Owen Brannigan, Marion Studholme, Iris Kells, John Lanigan, Lauris Elms, James Pease, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act TwoRaymond Nilsson, James Pease, John Lanigan, Jean Watson, Claire Watson, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act TwoClaire Watson, John Lanigan, Lauris Elms, Raymond Nilsson, Geraint Evans, Marion Studholme, Iris Kells, Jean Watson, James Pease, David Kelly, Owen Brannigan, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act TwoJohn Lanigan, Owen Brannigan, James Pease, Lauris Elms, Raymond Nilsson, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act TwoChorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act TwoMarion Studholme, Iris Kells, Jean Watson, Claire Watson, Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden & Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act TwoOrchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden & Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act TwoPeter Pears, Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden & Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act TwoPeter Pears, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act TwoJohn Lanigan, Owen Brannigan, Geraint Evans, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act ThreeOrchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden & Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act ThreeOwen Brannigan, Marion Studholme, Iris Kells, Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden & Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act ThreeGeraint Evans, Lauris Elms, Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden & Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act ThreeJohn Lanigan, Lauris Elms, Claire Watson, James Pease, Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden & Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act ThreeClaire Watson, James Pease, Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden & Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act ThreeLauris Elms, Jean Watson, Owen Brannigan, David Kelly, Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden & Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act ThreeLauris Elms, Raymond Nilsson, Geraint Evans, Marion Studholme, Iris Kells, David Kelly, Owen Brannigan, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act ThreeOrchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden & Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act ThreePeter Pears, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act ThreeClaire Watson, Peter Pears, James Pease, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes: Act ThreeOwen Brannigan, Jean Watson, Raymond Nilsson, Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Benjamin Britten
Sir Peter Pears, born in Farnham in 1910, was an English tenor renowned for his profound interpretations and his lifelong partnership with composer Benjamin Britten. Their collaboration spanned nearly four decades, with Britten composing numerous roles and songs specifically for Pears, including the titular character in "Peter Grimes" and the co-libretto for "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Pears' career was marked by his exceptional skill and subtlety, making him one of England's leading tenors in the 20th century. He premiered nearly all of Britten's operas and was celebrated for his performances of Bach's cantatas and passions, particularly as the Evangelist. Pears' contributions extended beyond performing; he also edited ancient English vocal music and co-founded the Aldeburgh Festival. Knighted in 1978, Pears passed away in Aldeburgh in 1986, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence the world of classical music.