Immerse yourself in the timeless artistry of Sir Peter Pears with this exquisite collection of songs by Benjamin Britten. Released in 2012, this album is a testament to the enduring partnership between the renowned English tenor and the brilliant composer. Spanning a little over an hour and a half, the 32 tracks offer a rich tapestry of musical genres, including opera, requiem, choral, and classical compositions.
The album features a diverse range of works, from the serene "Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31" to the profound "The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35" and the whimsical "Winter Words, Op. 52." Each piece is a masterclass in vocal technique and musicality, showcasing Pears' distinctive tenor voice and Britten's innovative compositions.
Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Batter My Heart" from "The Holy Sonnets of John Donne" and the evocative "Proud Songsters" from "Winter Words." These tracks, among others, demonstrate the depth and versatility of both Pears and Britten, making this album an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
Sir Peter Pears' career was deeply intertwined with Benjamin Britten, both personally and professionally. This album captures the essence of their collaboration, offering a glimpse into the artistic synergy that defined their work together. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2012 Heritage Records2012 Heritage Records
Tracks
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: PrologueSir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: Pastorale - CottonSir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: Nocturne - TennysonSir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: Elegy - BlakeSir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: Dirge - AnonymousSir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: Hymn - Ben JonsonSir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: Sonnet - KeatsSir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, Op. 31: EpilogueSir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, The New Symphony Orchestra Of London
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XVI. Sì come nella penna e nell' inchiostroSir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XXXI. A che più debb'io mai l'intensa vogliaSir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XXX. Veggio co'bei vostri occhi un dolce lumeSir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto LV. Tu sa' ch'io so, signor mie, che tu saiSir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XXXVIII. Rendete a gli occhi mieiSir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XXXII. S'un casto amor, s'una pietà supernaSir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, Op. 22: Sonetto XXIV. Spirto ben nato, in cui si specchia e vedeSir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: "Oh My Blacke Soule!"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: "Batter My Heart"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: "O Might Those Sighes and Teares"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: "Oh, to Vex Me"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: "What If This Present"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: "Since She Whom I Loved"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: "At the Round Earth's Imagined Corners"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: "Thou Hast Made Me"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
The Holy Sonnets of John Donne, Op. 35: "Death, Be Not Proud"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Winter Words, Op. 52: At day-close in NovemberSir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
Winter Words, Op. 52: Midnight on the Great Western - "The Journeying Boy"Sir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
Winter Words, Op. 52: Wagtail and Baby 'A Satire'Sir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
Winter Words, Op. 52: The Little Old TableSir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
Winter Words, Op. 52: The Choirmaster's Burial - "The Tenor Man's Story"Sir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
Winter Words, Op. 52: Proud Songsters 'Thrushes, Finches and Nightingales'Sir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
Winter Words, Op. 52: At the Railway Station, Upway 'The Convict and the Boy with the Violin'Sir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
Winter Words, Op. 52: Before Life and AfterSir Peter Pears, 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.
Vinylscout
Sir Peter Pears
