Credits:

Peter Pears

Description:

"The Poet's Love" by Britten and Pears A recording of a collaboration between Britten (1913–1976) and the tenor Pears (1910–1986), known as Britten’s lifelong partner. While there is a 1963 studio recording of Pears and Britten’s performance of Schumann’s *The Poet’s Love*, this recording was made slightly earlier. Compared to the 1963 recording, both performers express themselves with a freedom that is, in the best sense, liberating. Britten’s piano playing is pure romance. Pears’ diction is also exceptionally beautiful, making for a magnificent performance. At the time, Wolf was a composer who was held in very low regard in Britain. It seems that even Britten faced opposition to including Wolf in the program, but this recording is a precious achievement that overcame those objections. King International