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Britten - Peter Grimes / Davis, Vickers, Harper, Bailey, Royal Opera Covent GardenRating:
Release Date: 11 November, 2003 Retail Price: $29.95 OUR Price: $26.99 You SAVE: $2.96! Cast: |
Britten - Peter Grimes / Davis, Vickers, Harper, Bailey, Royal Opera Covent Garden Reviews
seaworthy
To the casual listener, Britten may be an acquired taste. And this opera is probably the most accessible of all Britten's works - in other words, a good place to start. In my opinion, it's an unforgettable experience, one that only grows on you with rehearing.
It's a grim story of a fisherman ill at ease with others. He's lost an apprentice at sea and is suspected of having physcally abused the boy. While one woman, Ellen Orford, tries to be his friend, the village gives him no room in their busy, opinionated, suspicious world. He is a monster, unwelcome in their tight little society, a creature to be feared and shunned. When Grimes acquires a new apprentice we know the results will be tragic.
In this recording, the title role is portrayed by Jon Vickers who made this one of his personal triumphs. To see it as well as hear the magnificent singing more than doubles the satisfaction of the performance.
I remember hearing the premiere radio broadcast of this piece from the Met when I was a teenager - I'm in my 70's now. Even then its strange story mesmerized me. Now, after many hearings, it is a joy to finally see what my imagination could not conjure up.
This performance is intense, focused, brooding, in every way "seaworthy" for anyone who turns to opera for a musical experience that is both beautiful and terrible. The fate of Peter Grimes will stay with you long after the credits have run.
Difficult but beautiful
The contrast between the lyrical and beautiful music and the difficult anti-hero, Peter Grimes, is stunning. Vickers is perfect as the pathetic and frightening Grimes. Heather Harper is beautiful as the woman who tries to hold it together and fails.
The sets are simple, but effective. Every actor plays his or her part well; there are no weak links. While it is a story about Grimes, each of the minor characters is carefully deliniated and you feel as if you know the narrow and limited world of this small fishing village by the end of the opera. All the voices are perfect for the roles. It is difficult to imagine a finer production.
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