KATHLEEN FERRIER--A REMEMRANCE

KATHLEEN FERRIER--A Remembrance

Geraldine Ferrar was an outstnding soprano in the early years of the 20th Century, both at The Met in New York and as a guest artist at the Vienna Hofoper. In reading about her, I came to realize that I had confused her with another famous singer whose name was similar, but had been active in far more recent times. This was Kathleen Ferrier. Kath was English born, and had a meteoric carreer in England and worldwide in the period between 1940 and 1953. She was a contralto, and an extraordinary vocalist. She died of cancer in 1953, and her premature departure from the musical stage was indeed a tragedy. Kath posessed a contralto voice of sublety and power, as well as a musicianship that was unmatched in her time. Her career as a singer was unfortunately short-lived.

She collaborated with Mahler's disciple Bruno Walter in many recordings of lieder programs and Mahler lied and symphonies. Those recordings date from the period between 1946 and 1952. Many were re-mastered in 2003, in celebration of the 100th birthday of Mahler's death and this fine singer's passing in 1953.

Kathleen was a "Decca Artist", and the master recordings of her work on that label were faithfully preserved. A 2003 tribute to her artistry was re-issued on Decca in 2003, and a two disc CD set became available in 2004.

I acquired this tribute a few days ago, and have listened to it several times in the past two days. It is a remarklable and historic addition to the performance literature. It includes several "takes" with The Vienna Philharmonic in works of Mahler, and many other recordings of Ferrier's famous performances of English folk songs and more serious lieder selections by Mahler, Brahms, Handel and others. This three hour compendium of song is among the finest historical documentations of vocal artistry that we have been left by former artists. There are no hollow sounding recordings such as Caruso's in the early 20th century. The sound reproduction is up to today's standards, and Ferrier's voice comes accross in full detail.

There are numerous standout performances in this recording, including several of Mahler's Ruckert Lieder. One aria from Handel's Atalanta, "Like as the love-torn turtle", is totally new to these ears, and a pure delight.

Should you want to re-aquiaint youselves with a tuely remarkable contralto voice of those times, this is a recording for you!

Best,

Bill Breakstone
September 29, 209