Immerse yourself in the timeless artistry of Alfred Deller with "Portrait of a Legend," a meticulously curated collection of medieval and Gregorian chant performances that showcase the countertenor's unparalleled vocal prowess. Released on January 1, 2004, under the esteemed Harmonia Mundi label, this album spans an impressive three hours and seven minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through Deller's illustrious career.
The tracklist is a treasure trove of classical masterpieces, featuring excerpts from iconic works such as "The Fairy Queen," "King Arthur," and "The Indian Queen," alongside sacred compositions like "Te lucis ante terminum" and "Ave verum." Deller's renditions of Shakespearean songs, including "If Music be the Food of Love" and "O Mistress Mine," further highlight his versatility and mastery of both secular and religious repertoire.
Alfred Deller, renowned for his pioneering role in reviving interest in the countertenor voice, delivers performances of exquisite beauty and technical brilliance. His ability to convey deep emotion and nuance through his voice is evident in every track, making this album a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of classical music. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Deller's work or a newcomer to the genre, "Portrait of a Legend" offers an enriching and captivating listening experience.
Tracks
The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act II: "Come all ye songsters of the sky" (A Fairy)Henry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Stour Music Chorus, Stour Music Orchestra
The Fairy Queen, Z. 629: PreludeHenry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Stour Music Chorus, Stour Music Orchestra
The Fairy Queen, Z. 629: "May the God of Wit inspire" - "While Echo shall in sounds" (Three Elves)Henry Purcell, Alfred Deller, John Buttrey, Maurice Bevan, Stour Music Chorus, Stour Music Orchestra
The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act III: Dialogue Corydon / MopsaHenry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Norman Platt, Stour Music Chorus, Stour Music Orchestra
The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act IV: SymphonyHenry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Stour Music Chorus, Stour Music Orchestra
The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act V: "Thus, thus the gloomy world" (A Chinese Man)Henry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Stour Music Chorus, Stour Music Orchestra
The Fairy Queen, Z. 629: "Thus happy and free" (A Chinese Woman)Henry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Jean Knibbs, Stour Music Chorus, Stour Music Orchestra
The Fairy Queen, Z. 629: "Yes, Xansi, in your looks I find" (A Chinese Man)Henry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Stour Music Chorus, Stour Music Orchestra
The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act V: Monkey's DanceHenry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Stour Music Chorus, Stour Music Orchestra
King Arthur, Z. 628, Act IV Scene 2: No. 33, "How happy the Lover" (Nymphs and Sylvans) - Fourth Act TuneHenry Purcell, The Deller Consort and Choir, The King’s Musick, Alfred Deller
King Arthur, Z. 628, The Final Masque: "Fairest Isle" (Venus)Henry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Wieland Kuijken, William Christie
The Indian Queen, Act I: "Wake, Quivera, wake" (Boy)Henry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Jane Ryan, Robert Elliott
The Indian Queen, Act III: Trumpet OvertureHenry Purcell, The King’s Musick
The Indian Queen: "Ah, how happy are we" - "We the spirits of the air" (Aerial Spirits)Henry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Paul Eliott, Honor Sheppard, Jean Knibbs, Deller Choir, Jane Ryan, Robert Elliott, The King’s Musick
The Indian Queen, Z. 630: "I attempt from love's sickness"Henry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Roderick Skeaping, Wieland Kuijken, William Christie
OlindaHenry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre, Robert Elliott
The Old Bachelor, Z.607: "Thus to a ripe, consenting maid"Henry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre, Robert Elliott
Dioclesian, Z. 627: "O how happy's he"Henry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre, Robert Elliott
Thèmes de la Semaine Sainte: VI. Incipit lamentationAnonymous, Alfred Deller, The Deller Consort
Cantiones sacrae: "Te lucis ante terminum"Thomas Tallis, Alfred Deller, The Deller Consort
Deuxième Leçon de Ténèbres pour le MercredyFrançois Couperin, Alfred Deller, Raphaël Perulli, Michel Chapuis
Cantate Jubilate Domino p.Dietrich Buxtehude, Alfred Deller, Raphaël Perulli, Michel Chapuis
In Guilty Night, Z. 134Henry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Honor Sheppard, Maurice Bevan, Anna Shuttleworth, Robert Elliott, The Deller Consort
Great King of GodsOrlando Gibbons, Alfred Deller, The Deller Consort, Jaye Consort of Viols
Ave verumGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Alfred Deller, Robert Elliott
Cantabo DomineAlessandro Grandi, Alfred Deller, Robert Elliott
The Wind and the Rain (from "Twelfth night" Act 5, a)Anonymous, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre
It was a lover and his lass (from "As you like it", Act 5, Scene 3)Thomas Morley, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre
O mistress mine Twelfth night, II, 3: O mistress mine (from "Twelfth night", Act 2, Scene 3)Thomas Morley, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre
Willow song (from "Othello", Act 4, Scene 3): Willow song (from "Othello" Act IV Scene 3)Anonymous, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre
Calleno custure me (from "Henry V", mention à Act 4, Scene 4)Anonymous, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre
Miserere my MakerAnonymous, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre
I care not for these ladiesThomas Campion, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre
Of all the birdsJohn Bartlet, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre
What then is lovePhilip Rosseter, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre
The Self-BanishedJohn Blow, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre, Robert Elliott
The Glory of the Arcadian GrovesJeremiah Clarke, Alfred Deller, David Munrow, Pierre Studer, Richard Lee, Desmond Dupre, Robert Elliott
Fine knacks for ladiesJohn Dowland, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre
Flow, my tearsJohn Dowland, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre
If Music be the Food of Love, Z. 379bHenry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Wieland Kuijken, William Christie
Selected Songs: XIII. From rosy bow'rsHenry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Roderick Skeaping, Wieland Kuijken, William Christie
O Solitude, Z. 406Henry Purcell, Alfred Deller, Jane Ryan, Robert Elliott
Pien d'amoroso affettoGiulio Caccini, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre
Pallidetto qual violaGiulio Caccini, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre
Amarilli, mia bellaGiulio Caccini, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre
Infirmata vulnerataAlessandro Scarlatti, Alfred Deller, Clarence Myerscough, Irvine Arditti, Desmond Dupre, Robert Elliott
The three ravensAnonymous, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre
Black is the colour of my true love's hairAnonymous, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre
Sweet nymph, come to thy loverThomas Morley, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre, Mark Deller
I go before my darlingThomas Morley, Alfred Deller, Desmond Dupre, Mark Deller
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