The Travel Diaries of Peter Pears, 1936-1978

Peter Pears's reputation as a gifted and distinctive tenor is grounded in his interpretations of Benjamin Britten's works; their partnership of 30 years significantly shaped and defined musical developments not only in England but abroad.

They travelled extensively, on concert tours and on holiday, and Peter Pears's 11 travel diaries, published together here, record much of that travel, and provide contextual material for musicologists on the musical development of both artists.The first diary dates from 1936, before his friendship with Britten, when he went on tour to America with The New English Singers.

Other diaries record visits to the Far East with Britten, to Russia, to the Caribbean and to Italy, describing their musical encounters and performances.