Decca Classics

Robert Tear was one of the most versatile and probably the most intelligent tenor of his generation, loved by audiences all over the world. This new 14-CD limited edition collection, released 10 years after his passing, showcases his impeccable musicianship and extensive range. His voice was intrinsically neither sweet nor heroic, but when demanded could croon a lullaby or harden into a commanding rebuke, such was his artistry. His other weapon was words. He was a polymath, inquisitive, devouring literature as well as music. One marvels at the sheer amount of music learned. The art of a recital programme is about telling a story, the singer communicates a narrative directly with the listener. These recital discs, recorded between 1969 and 1979, brought together in one edition for the very first time, provide an unparalleled insight into the singer’s art.