Robert Tear: The Argo Recitals

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.

Tracklist:
CD1
1. HANDEL, ARNE, BOYCE, HOOK     
2. Academy of St Martin in the Fields / Sir Neville Marriner     

CD2
1. PARRY: English Lyrics     
2. Philip Ledger piano     

CD3
1. VAUGHAN WILLIAMS     
2. Philip Ledger piano ∙ Neil Black oboe     

CD4
1. I DREAM OF JEANIE     
2. Philip Ledger piano     

CD5
1. BRITTEN, WALTON, SEIBER: Folk Songs     
2. Timothy Walker guitar     

CD6
1. COPLAND     
2. Philip Ledger piano     

CD7
1. SCHUMANN: Liederkreise     
2. Philip Ledger piano     

CD8
1. SOIRÉE (MENDELSSOHN, WEBER)     
2. Philip Ledger piano ∙ Timothy Walker guitar     
3. SCHUBERT     
4. Elizabethan Singers · Melos Ensemble     

CD9
1. SOIRÉE (CHOPIN, LISZT)     
2. Philip Ledger piano     

CD10
1. SONGS BY TCHAIKOVSKY    
2. Philip Ledger piano     

CD11
1. RACHMANINOFF SONGS     
2. Philip Ledger piano     

CD12
1. JANÁČEK: Zápisník Zmizelého     
2. Elizabeth Bainbridge mezzo-soprano · Philip Ledger piano     

CD13
1. MAHLER: Lieder Eines Fahrenden Gesellen     
2. BRITTEN: Nocturne     
3. Academy of St Martin in the Fields / Sir Neville Marriner     

CD14
1. RESPIGHI: Deità Silvane Lauda per la Natività del Signore     
2. Jill Gomez soprano · Meriel Dickinson mezzo-soprano     
3. The London Chamber Choir     
4. The Argo Chamber Orchestra / László Heltay     
5. TIPPETT: Songs for Dov     
6. London Sinfonietta / David Atherton