Thanks for all that Colin. The Pears Britten images I carry from my youth began at school with a rousing choral rendition of The Fishermen of England so your description of the East Coast along with those of the Britten/Pears Grimes, are very well sketched in my colonial mind. It will be interesting to compare with the reality.
While in the Pears arena, I regard his vocal production as an illustration of Englishness and if I may be so bold, an example of how a peculiar, (not to say defective) technique can still succeed as long as the musicality exists, which it clearly does. I gather that Britten regarded Pears vocal style to be some sort of ideal that suited his image of English operatic need. I'd be interested to hear the opinions of our Welsh singers in this regard.
I know that is a bit forthright but I feel you might agree that Pears production fits the description of an over controlled choral performer. Very English and from the point of view of Brittens vocal evaluation, more than a little exclusive. Is that TOO strong? :)
Regards Reg.
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