Jan Peerce

 


Jan Peerce was an excellent tenor chosen by Toscanini for so many of his recordings. He came from the Jewish Cantor (Chazan) tradition as did Hermann Jadlowker, Richard Tucker and Robert Merrill among others. His voice was thrilling and his taste and artistry impeccable.

I was fortunate enough to hear him live in a curious concert at the Festival Hall in London. A US military band gave a concert with him as soloist. He must have been advanced in years but he sounded great with not a trace of wear and tear. His last concert was in 1982. He died in 1984 aged 80.

Afterwards I went back stage to congratulate him and he received me so modestly and charmingly that I wondered if he thought people had forgotten him. He was tiny.

Later I bought his autobiography 'The Bluebird of Happiness.' It is an adorable book, charming and modest just like him. What stands out is his immense commitment and hard work in his preparation and professionalism. I guess that is the Toscanini school.

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