Experience the timeless artistry of Kathleen Ferrier with "20th-Century British Treasures," a captivating collection of live recordings that span from 1946 to 1953. This album, released by SOMM Recordings, showcases the beloved contralto's extraordinary range and depth, featuring a mix of opera and classical genres that highlight her unique vocal prowess.
The album includes a diverse array of tracks, from the ethereal beauty of "Love Is a Bable" to the powerful rendition of "The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37: The Flower Song." Among the standout performances is a previously unpublished recording of Lennox Berkeley's "Four Poems of St. Teresa of Avila," which underscores Ferrier's passionate and nuanced interpretation.
Accompanied by esteemed musicians such as Frederick Stone, Phyllis Spurr, and Ernest Lush on piano, as well as the English Opera Group Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra, Ferrier's performances are brought to life with rich, remastered sound. The album also features contributions from Anna Pollak on mezzo-soprano, adding layers of vocal richness to the collection.
Sir Thomas Allen, a distinguished interpreter of British song and Trustee of the Kathleen Ferrier Awards, provides an insightful commentary in the accompanying booklet, offering a deep dive into Ferrier's artistry and the distinctive tones of her native Lancashire. This album is a testament to Ferrier's enduring legacy and her impact on the world of classical music.
(C) 2021 SOMM Recordings(P) 2021 SOMM Recordings
Tracks
Love Is a Bable, Op. 152 No. 3 (Live)Hubert Parry, Kathleen Ferrier, Frederick Stone
Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal, Op. 3 No. 2Roger Quilter, Kathleen Ferrier, Phyllis Spurr
The Rape of Lucretia, Op. 37: The Flower Song (Live)Benjamin Britten, Kathleen Ferrier, Anna Pollak, EOG Orchestra, Reginald Goodall
4 Poems of St. Teresa of Avila , Op. 27: No. 1, If, Lord, Thy Love for Me Is Strong (Live)Lennox Berkeley, Kathleen Ferrier, London Symphony Orchestra, Hugo Rignold
4 Poems of St. Teresa of Avila , Op. 27: No. 2, Shepherd, Shepherd Hark That Calling (Live)Lennox Berkeley, Kathleen Ferrier, London Symphony Orchestra, Hugo Rignold
4 Poems of St. Teresa of Avila , Op. 27: No. 3, Let Mine Eyes See Thee (Live)Lennox Berkeley, Kathleen Ferrier, London Symphony Orchestra, Hugo Rignold
4 Poems of St. Teresa of Avila , Op. 27: No. 4, Today a Shepherd and Our Kin (Live)Lennox Berkeley, Kathleen Ferrier, London Symphony Orchestra, Hugo Rignold
Kathleen Ferrier, the renowned English contralto, captivated audiences worldwide with her powerful and emotive voice. Born Kathleen Mary Ferrier, she seamlessly blended folksongs and popular ballads with classical masterpieces by composers such as Bach, Brahms, Mahler, and Elgar. Her versatility shone on stage, in concert halls, and through her recordings, earning her an international reputation. Tragically, her career was cut short by cancer, but her legacy endures, continuing to inspire and move fans of opera and classical music alike.
Vinylscout
Kathleen Ferrier
