Peter Grimes - Peter Pears

Act 3, scene 2 of Peter Grimes, with Peter Pears in the title role. This 1969 BBC film version of the opera also features Heather Harper as Ellen Orford and Bryan Drake as Balstrode. The Ambrosian Opera Chorus and London Symphony Orchestra are conducted by the composer.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Peter Grimes
• Peter Pears
• Benjamin Britten

[Dulciethecat]

Since the role of Grimes was written for Peter Pears, I think he knows how to do it!

What a video treasure.

[Nello7]

@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

[thesafekind]

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.

[itoohill]

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.

[peduzzi89]

@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.

[PEAinSwe]

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.

[BritinIsrael]

Jon Vickers IS Peter Grimes. I dont care who Britten wrote the part for.

[stamman2]

I've learned to appreciate both Pears and Vickers in this role. I understand that Britten did not like Vickers' interpretation much at all.

[demonyangel]

Vickers surpassed Grimes on every sense.

[derekandsamwilcox]

Accidental circumstances!