Kathleen Ferrier sings J S Bach & Handel

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:47:04 +0000

“in 1952 Kathleen Ferrier made her last and perhaps greatest record … four arias each of Bach and Handel. The (engineers) ensured the utmost fidelity” (Penguin Guide Rosette) “This is a recording that honours all concerned and in which Ferrier shows the English art of oratorio singing at its finest. She is in superb voice and is accompanied with scrupulous artistry by Boult and the L.P.O. …The finest thing of all is All is Fulfilled … The hushed way (she) sings “This mournful night” and the sudden broken utterance “It is finished”, dwell long in the memory. Having listened to contraltos singing Return, O God of Hosts at competitions, I can pay no higher compliment to Ferrier than to say I felt I was hearing it for the first time … It is rare that a disc gives such satisfaction in almost every respect” (Gramophone)

J S Bach:

[1] Qui Sedes (Mass in B Minor) (Oboe d’amore:Michael Dobson) 5:43

[2] Grief for Sin (St.Matthew Passion) 5:57

[3] All is Fulfilled (St.John Passion)(Viola da gamba:Ambrose Gauntlett) 5:14

[4] Agnus Dei (Mass in B Minor) 5:36

G F Handel:

[5] Return O God of Hosts (Samson) 4:26

[6] O Thou that Tellest Good Tidings (Messiah) 5:37

[7] Father Of Heaven (Judas Maccabaeus) 7:48

[8] He Was Despisèd (Messiah) 6:39

All 8 Above with London Philharmonic Orchestra / Sir Adrian Boult

BONUS tracks:

[9] Like as the Love-lorn Turtle (Atalanta) 6:50

with Phyliss Spurr (piano)(Norwegian Radio broadcast, 1949)

[10] Art Thou Troubled? (Rodelinda) 4:40

[11] Largo:Ombra mai fu (Serse) 4:39

Both with London Symphony Orchestra / Sir Malcolm Sargent

[12] Bach: Ah Tarry Yet my Dearest Saviour (Cantata BWV.11) 7:28

Above with the Jacques Orchestra / Reginald Jacques

[13] Bach: Have Mercy, Lord (Erbame Dich)(St.Matthew Passion)

(sung in English) (violin: David McCallum) 8:12

Above with National Symphony Orchestra / Sir Malcolm Sargent

Adrian Boult – Alto CD

Kathleen Ferrier sings J S Bach & Handel