Search - Peerce, Giovanni, Tosca :: Peerce on the Radio

Peerce is a one of a kind Tenor. A true artist.

Rod Tierman | 06/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is a real shame that more recordings of the great American Tenor, Jan Peerce, don't exist anymore, but this compilation is certainly one of the best of the best. The selections on this CD offer a good representation of Maestro Peerce's repertoire. Although Peerce never sang the role of Calaf, from Turandot, on stage, his "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini's Turandot is a real standout. His version of this aria shows a warmth and vibrancy missing in most interpretations today. "Il mio Tesoro", from Don Giovanni, is sung very well and tastefully, and what breath control! In this aria, Peerce gets to demonstrate what a flair for music of the classical period he possessed. This collection also offers a generous sampling of Peerce's glorious High C's (and yes everything is sung in the original key and NOT transposed down). "Che gelida manina", "Salut Demeure", "Di quella Pira", and "O soave Fanciulla" all show off High C's that would be the envy of any Tenor singing today and yet, Peerce always makes those notes a part of the music and not an entity unto itself. Another of my favorites, on this CD, is the Girl of the Golden West aria, "Ch'ella mi Creda". This aria always sounds as if it were written for specifically for Peerce, each time I hear him sing it. No Minnie could ever resist such a heart felt plea. The sonics are pretty decent, especially when one considers the fact that these recordings were made back in the forties. Buy this CD, it is a great representation of a truly great artist. A real gem"