Immerse yourself in the timeless artistry of Sir Peter Pears with "The World of Peter Pears," a captivating collection of classical masterpieces released on January 1, 2001, under the prestigious Decca Music Group Ltd. label. This album spans a rich tapestry of genres, including opera, requiem, choral, and classical, showcasing Pears' extraordinary vocal prowess and versatility.
The album begins with the enchanting "Les Illuminations" by Benjamin Britten, followed by a journey through iconic works such as Handel's "Acis and Galatea," Bach's "Christmas Oratorio," and Elgar's "The Dream of Gerontius." Pears' delicate and expressive tenor voice brings a unique depth to each piece, from the serene beauty of "Serenade for tenor, horn & strings" by Benjamin Britten to the haunting melodies of Schubert's "Winterreise."
The album also features traditional folk songs like "The Foggy Foggy Dew" and "Early One Morning," demonstrating Pears' ability to infuse traditional tunes with a classical elegance. The inclusion of works from Britten's "Peter Grimes" and "Death in Venice" highlights Pears' enduring collaboration and friendship with the composer, adding a personal touch to the collection.
With a duration of 1 hour and 20 minutes, "The World of Peter Pears" is a testament to the artist's enduring legacy and his profound impact on the world of classical music. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Sir Peter Pears or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a profound and enriching listening experience.
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: I. FanfareBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
Les Illuminations, Op. 18: II. VillesBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49 / Act I: Lo! Here my love!George Frideric Handel, Sir Peter Pears, Thurston Dart, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Acis and Galatea, HWV 49 / Act I: Love in her eyes sits playingGeorge Frideric Handel, Thurston Dart, Sir Peter Pears, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248, Pt. 4: No. 41 Aria "Ich will nur dir zu Ehren leben"Johann Sebastian Bach, Sir Peter Pears, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, Karl Münchinger
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38 / Part 1: "Sanctus Fortis, Sanctus Deus"Edward Elgar, Sir Peter Pears, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra, Benjamin Britten
Serenade for tenor, horn & strings, Op. 31: DirgeBenjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Dennis Brain, Boyd Neel Orchestra
L'Enfance du Christ, Op.25 / Partie 2: La fuite en Egypte: Les pèlerins étant venusHector Berlioz, Sir Peter Pears, The St. Anthony Singers, The Goldsbrough Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
The Fairy Queen, Z.629 - Ed. Britten, Holst, Pears / Act 1: "When a Cruel Long Winter"Henry Purcell, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra, Benjamin Britten
The Foggy Foggy DewTraditional, Sir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
Early One MorningTraditional, Sir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
It was a lover and his lasseThomas Morley, Sir Peter Pears, Julian Bream
What then is love but mourningPhilip Rosseter, Sir Peter Pears, Julian Bream
Winterreise, D.911: 1. Gute NachtFranz Schubert, Sir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
Winterreise, D.911: 11. FrühlingstraumFranz Schubert, Sir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
Winterreise, D.911: 24. Der LeiermannFranz Schubert, Sir Peter Pears, Benjamin Britten
Peter Grimes, Op. 33 / Act 1: "Now the Great Bear and Pleiades"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, Marion Studholme, Iris Kells, Raymond Nilsson, James Pease, Jean Watson, Chorus of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden
Canticle I - My Beloved is Mine, Op. 40Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears
Death in Venice, Op. 88 / Act 1: "The Boy, Tadzio, Shall Inspire Me"Benjamin Britten, Sir Peter Pears, English Chamber Orchestra, Steuart Bedford