Experience the timeless artistry of Kathleen Ferrier in this captivating collection of broadcasts and live recordings, remastered for modern audiences. This album, released on September 1, 2015, under the Andromeda label, offers a unique glimpse into the performances that solidified Ferrier's status as one of the most celebrated contraltos of the 20th century.
Spanning a diverse range of genres within the classical and opera realms, this compilation features 15 tracks that showcase Ferrier's remarkable vocal prowess and interpretive depth. From beloved arias by Gluck and Mendelssohn to enchanting songs by Schubert and traditional carols, each piece is a testament to Ferrier's versatility and artistry.
Highlights include Ferrier's rendition of "Che faro senza Euridice?" from Gluck's "Orphée et Eurydice," her powerful performance of "Woe unto them who forsake him!" from Mendelssohn's "Elijah," and her haunting interpretation of Purcell's "Bess of Bedlam." The album also features lesser-known gems, such as traditional Irish songs and Schubert's "Ganymed," providing a comprehensive overview of Ferrier's repertoire.
Accompanied by esteemed musicians, including Clifford Curzon, this album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts and those discovering Ferrier's legacy for the first time. With a duration of one hour and three minutes, it's an immersive journey through the golden age of opera and classical song, as interpreted by one of its most revered voices.
2015 Andromeda2015 Andromeda
Tracks
Orphée et Eurydice: Act II: Arioso: Che puro cielChristoph Willibald Gluck, Kathleen Ferrier, Glyndebourne Festival Chorus, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orphée et Eurydice: Act III: Aria: Che faro senza Euridice?Christoph Willibald Gluck, Kathleen Ferrier, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orphée et Eurydice: Act III: Aria: What is life to me without thee (Che faro senza Euridice?)Christoph Willibald Gluck, Kathleen Ferrier, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A 25: Part I: Arioso: Woe unto them who forsake him!Felix Mendelssohn, Kathleen Ferrier, Boyd Neel Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A 25: Part II: Aria: O rest in the LordFelix Mendelssohn, Kathleen Ferrier, Boyd Neel Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
From silent shades, and the Elysian groves, Z. 370, "Bess of Bedlam"Henry Purcell, Kathleen Ferrier, Phyllis Spurr
The Fairy Queen, Z. 629: Act V: Hark! The echoing air a triumph singsHenry Purcell, Kathleen Ferrier, Phyllis Spurr
Atalanta, HWV 35: Like as the love-lorn turtle (Sung in English)George Frideric Handel, Kathleen Ferrier, Phyllis Spurr
Admeto, HWV 22: How changed the vision (Sung in English)George Frideric Handel, Kathleen Ferrier, Phyllis Spurr
Bist du bei mir (If you are near), BWV 508Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel, Kathleen Ferrier, John Newmark
An Irish Idyll in 6 Miniatures, Op. 77: No. 2. The Fairy LoughCharles Villiers Stanford, Kathleen Ferrier, Frederick Stone
A Sheaf of Songs from Leinster, Op. 140: No. 3. A Soft DayTraditional, Charles Villiers Stanford, Kathleen Ferrier, Frederick Stone
Ganymed (Ganymede), Op. 19, No. 3, D. 544Franz Schubert, Kathleen Ferrier, Benjamin Britten
Du liebst mich nicht, Op. 59, No. 1, D. 756Franz Schubert, Kathleen Ferrier, Benjamin Britten
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