[Simplicissimus]

Just now while driving, my CM radio station played the "Sea Interludes" from Britten's Peter Grimes (Previn/LSO), which I greatly enjoyed, and which reminded me of my longstanding intention actually to listen to the whole opera. I am that guy who has four recordings of A Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra in his CD collection, and nothing else from Britten, despite being a fan of opera (and vocal music in general) and 20th Century English music. Ridiculous!

In my forays into Peter Grimes on my streaming service, I have discovered that I do not appreciate the voices of Pears or Vickers. I am an opera lover who is into characters when attending the operas live, but who otherwise values simply the aesthetic qualities of vocal and orchestral performances. I also highly value audio quality, either SACD (left, center, right) or CD. I don't do DVD, just audio. Historical recordings from behind enemy lines are interesting, but that's not what I'm looking for now.

Please forgive me if this request for recommendations is obnoxiously redundant. I searched the site and did not find what I am looking for. Please correct me as appropriate, or steer me according to your tastes. Thank you for your consideration and indulgence.

 

[Monsalvat]

I think if you are looking to avoid Pears and Vickers, this recording might be your best bet:

Bernard Haitink: Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (with Anthony Rolfe Johnson)

As an alternate, consider Richard Hickox's recording, but I haven't heard it myself so I can't vouch for or against it. Philip Langridge sings the role of Grimes. Those four recordings (Britten with Pears, Davis with Vickers, and the two I listed) are the ones I've heard praise for, but others here will be more knowledgeable than myself.

 

[REP]

A lot of the Chandos catalogue is available on YouTube now, including the Peter Grimes. I'm not much of a record collector, so I can't recommend one version over another, but I do remember seeing Philip Langridge in the role many years ago and liking his interpretation.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9yl-ZQyD9w9hZI7LN8Bbrj-iYxGofm7B

 

[Simplicissimus]

I think if you are looking to avoid Pears and Vickers, this recording might be your best bet:

Bernard Haitink: Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (with Anthony Rolfe Johnson)

As an alternate, consider Richard Hickox's recording, but I haven't heard it myself so I can't vouch for or against it. Philip Langridge sings the role of Grimes. Those four recordings (Britten with Pears, Davis with Vickers, and the two I listed) are the ones I've heard praise for, but others here will be more knowledgeable than myself.

Thanks - I'm inclined to go with the Hickox for now as it's the best audio quality I can get streaming.

 

[Becca]

I have the Hickox and would second the motion.

 

[Tsaraslondon]

I have Hickox's Billy Budd and, not only is it a superb performance, but the sound is spectacular. I assume the same must be said for his Peter Grimes, which tempts me a lot, although I already have Britten and Davis in my collection. I did see Philip Langride as Peter with English National Opera and he was fantastic in the role.

 

[ewilkros]

I have the Hickox ...

Try holding your breath

 

[Op.123]

Britten's own recording is the one to go for. Its old but hardly historic; good decca stereo.