Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Kathleen Ferrier's voice with this exquisite collection of classical masterpieces. Released on June 13, 2025, under Universal Music Australia Pty. Ltd., this album showcases Ferrier's unparalleled artistry across a diverse range of compositions.
The album opens with a suite from the dramatic music of Henry Purcell, expertly edited by Coates, offering a taste of the baroque era's richness and depth. Ferrier's rendition of these pieces is nothing short of captivating, highlighting her ability to convey the emotional nuances of each movement.
The centerpiece of the album is Edward Elgar's "Enigma Variations," a series of intricate and expressive variations on an original theme. Ferrier's performance is a testament to her technical prowess and emotional depth, making each variation a distinct and memorable experience.
The album concludes with Johannes Brahms' "Four Serious Songs," a profound exploration of life, death, and the human condition. Ferrier's powerful and poignant interpretations bring a sense of gravitas and introspection to these timeless works.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes, this album is a testament to Kathleen Ferrier's enduring legacy as one of the most celebrated contraltos of the 20th century. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Suite from the Dramatic Music of Purcell (Ed. Coates): I. RondeauHenry Purcell, Strings Of The London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Suite from the Dramatic Music of Purcell (Ed. Coates): II. SlowHenry Purcell, Strings Of The London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Suite from the Dramatic Music of Purcell (Ed. Coates): III. AirHenry Purcell, Strings Of The London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Suite from the Dramatic Music of Purcell (Ed. Coates): IV. MinuetHenry Purcell, Strings Of The London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Suite from the Dramatic Music of Purcell (Ed. Coates): V. FinaleHenry Purcell, Strings Of The London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Theme. AndanteEdward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation I. L'istesso tempo "C.A.E."Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation II. Allegro "H.D.S-P."Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation III. Allegretto "R.B.T."Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation IV. Allegro di molto "W.M.B."Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation V. Moderato "R.P.A."Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VI. Andantino "Ysobel"Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VII. Presto "Troyte"Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VIII. Allegretto "W.N."Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation IX. Adagio "Nimrod"Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation X. Intermezzo: Allegretto "Dorabella"Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XI. Allegro di molto "G.R.S."Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XII. Andante "B.G.N."Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XIII. Romanza: Moderato "* * *"Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation XIV. Finale: Allegro Presto "E.D.U."Edward Elgar, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
St Matthew Passion, BWV 244 (Ed. Elgar/Atkins), Pt. 1: Have Mercy, Lord on Me - Remastered 2011Johann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, David Mccullum, National Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30: Aria. What Is Life Without Euridice? - Remastered 2011Christoph Willibald Gluck, Kathleen Ferrier, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
4 Ernste Gesänge, Op. 121 (Orch. Sargent, Sung in English): No. 1, One Thing Befalleth the Beasts and the Sons of Men - Remastered 2011Johannes Brahms, Kathleen Ferrier, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
4 Ernste Gesänge, Op. 121 (Orch. Sargent, Sung in English): No. 2, So I Return'd and Did Consider - Remastered 2011Johannes Brahms, Kathleen Ferrier, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
4 Ernste Gesänge, Op. 121 (Orch. Sargent, Sung in English): No. 3, O Death, How Bitter Thou Art - Remastered 2011Johannes Brahms, Kathleen Ferrier, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
4 Ernste Gesänge, Op. 121 (Orch. Sargent, Sung in English): No. 4, Though I Speak with the Tongues of Men - Remastered 2011Johannes Brahms, Sir Malcolm Sargent, Kathleen Ferrier, BBC Symphony Orchestra