Britten: Peter Grimes (2010)

Performers who take on the enigmatic role of Peter Grimes generally fall into one of two types, personified by two iconic interpreters of the part, the light-voiced Peter Pears or heldentenor Jon Vickers. In this recording taken from performances at Glyndebourne in 2000, American tenor Anthony Dean Griffey manages to incorporate elements of both. His vocal quality is more similar to Pears', although sweeter, more colorful, and warmer, but his dramatic conception of the role is closer to Vickers' menacing ferocity. ... Read More

Performers who take on the enigmatic role of Peter Grimes generally fall into one of two types, personified by two iconic interpreters of the part, the light-voiced Peter Pears or heldentenor Jon Vickers. In this recording taken from performances at Glyndebourne in 2000, American tenor Anthony Dean Griffey manages to incorporate elements of both. His vocal quality is more similar to Pears', although sweeter, more colorful, and warmer, but his dramatic conception of the role is closer to Vickers' menacing ferocity. Physically Griffey is ideal for the role, hulking and powerful, and his outbursts are genuinely scary. He convincingly conveys the paradox of Peter Grimes' duality, his poetic sensibility and his brutishness. It's a wrenching performance, and it's among the most memorable recorded accounts of the role. Vivian Tierney sings with sweetness as Ellen Orford, and also expresses her inner strength. As Captain Balstrode, Steven Page is especially imposing and he sings with lyrical warmth. Peter... Read Less