There are things to be said for Vickers and Pears, but Vickers' changes in the text were hard to forgive. Those studying the part would do better to look to Pears as they won't be able to get away with changing what Vickers did.
It's incredible to watch a performer own a role written for them. Though I enjoy Pears' Grimes, Anthony Rolfe Johnson's vocal and dramatic performance in EMI's 1993 recording is by far my favorite.
@BritinIsrael you say that as if it's a matter of opinion. You may like Vickers' voice better, but no once can "be" Peter Grimes more than Peter Pears, since that's how the role was intended when it was written. This fact isn't really open to interpretation.
@peduzzi89 I respectfully disagree. Art and choices are always open to interpretation. For example, Verdi did not necessarily enjoy Tamagno's interpretation of Otello. Art always evolves with the interpreter, and choices are made. Sometimes they work, other times they do not. We cannot discount the emotional bond between the two men, and well, many times that can affect one's own judgment. To me,Pears appears to be overacting, almost mugging at times. But he has great vocal depth in his delivery
There are things to be said for Vickers and Pears, but Vickers' changes in the text were hard to forgive. Those studying the part would do better to look to Pears as they won't be able to get away with changing what Vickers did.
thesafekind 1 year ago
It's incredible to watch a performer own a role written for them. Though I enjoy Pears' Grimes, Anthony Rolfe Johnson's vocal and dramatic performance in EMI's 1993 recording is by far my favorite.
itoohill 1 year ago
Vickers is giving us a totally different Grimes - more rough and "outspoken". It's easier to be impressed by his performance.
But this role was written for Pears, he was part of the creation of the role. he was the choice of the composer for this.
But anyone can prefer Vickers, he is superb. But this is what britten wanted to hear.
PEAinSwe 1 year ago
Jon Vickers IS Peter Grimes. I dont care who Britten wrote the part for.
BritinIsrael 1 year ago
@BritinIsrael you say that as if it's a matter of opinion. You may like Vickers' voice better, but no once can "be" Peter Grimes more than Peter Pears, since that's how the role was intended when it was written. This fact isn't really open to interpretation.
peduzzi89 1 year ago
@peduzzi89 I respectfully disagree. Art and choices are always open to interpretation. For example, Verdi did not necessarily enjoy Tamagno's interpretation of Otello. Art always evolves with the interpreter, and choices are made. Sometimes they work, other times they do not. We cannot discount the emotional bond between the two men, and well, many times that can affect one's own judgment. To me,Pears appears to be overacting, almost mugging at times. But he has great vocal depth in his delivery
Nello7 4 months ago
I've learned to appreciate both Pears and Vickers in this role. I understand that Britten did not like Vickers' interpretation much at all.
stamman2 1 year ago
Vickers surpassed Grimes on every sense.
demonyangel 1 year ago
@caekface Partners? I think you mean they were a couple, right? And I agree with Dulciethecat: Pears knew exactly what Britten intended here.
auntiesanity 1 year ago
Accidental circumstances!
derekandsamwilcox 2 years ago
Since the role of Grimes was written for Peter Pears, I think he knows how to do it!
What a video treasure.
Dulciethecat 2 years ago 6
Gah, he takes it so fast! I own this DVD, but I've long preferred Jon Vickers in the title role.
JeeRant 2 years ago