Immerse yourself in the timeless artistry of Kathleen Ferrier with this captivating collection of works by Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel. Released in 2008 by Naxos, this album is a testament to Ferrier's extraordinary talent as a contralto, showcasing her powerful and evocative voice in a diverse range of sacred and operatic arias.
The album opens with selections from Bach's monumental Mass in B Minor and the St. Matthew and St. John Passions, demonstrating Ferrier's profound ability to convey the depth and complexity of Bach's sacred music. The inclusion of arias from Handel's operas "Samson" and "Messiah" highlights her versatility and mastery of the Baroque repertoire. Ferrier's renditions of these works are marked by their technical precision, emotional resonance, and a deep understanding of the music's historical and cultural context.
The centerpiece of the album is Bach's Ascension Oratorio, BWV 11, a lesser-known but equally compelling work that showcases Ferrier's ability to navigate the intricate polyphony and expressive depth of Bach's choral and solo writing. The oratorio's blend of recitatives, arias, and chorales provides a rich and varied listening experience, with Ferrier's voice standing out as a beacon of warmth and clarity.
Recorded in 1949 and 1952, these performances capture Ferrier at the height of her powers, accompanied by distinguished ensembles such as the Cantata Singers and the Jacques Orchestra. The album's 18 tracks offer a comprehensive overview of Ferrier's artistry, spanning a total duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Baroque vocal music, this album is a treasure trove of musical excellence. Kathleen Ferrier's performances are not just a listening experience but a journey through some of the most profound and beautiful music ever composed.
Tracks
Mass in B Minor, BWV 232: Qui sedes ad dextram PatrisJohann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, Michael Dobson, Basil Lam, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244, Pt. I: No. 6, Aria. Grief for Sin (Buss und Reu)Johann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, Basil Lam, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
St. John Passion, BWV 245, Pt. II: Aria. All Is fulfilled (Es ist vollbracht!)Johann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, Ambrose Gauntlett, Basil Lam, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Mass in B Minor, BWV 232: Agnus DeiJohann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, Basil Lam, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Samson, HWV 57, Act II: Aria. Return, Oh God of hostsGeorge Frideric Handel, Kathleen Ferrier, Basil Lam, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. I: Aria. O thou That tellest good tidings to ZionGeorge Frideric Handel, Kathleen Ferrier, Basil Lam, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Judas Maccabaeus, HWV 63: Judas Maccabaeus, HWV 63, Pt. III: Air. Father of Heaven (Sung in German)George Frideric Handel, Kathleen Ferrier, Basil Lam, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Messiah, HWV 56, Pt. II: Aria. He was despised and rejected of menGeorge Frideric Handel, Kathleen Ferrier, Basil Lam, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Adrian Boult
Himmelfahrtsoratorium, BWV 11: Praise our God who reigns in heaven (Lobet Gott in seinen Reichen) [Chorus]Johann Sebastian Bach, Ena Mitchell, Kathleen Ferrier, William Herbert, William Parsons, Cantata Singers, The, Jacques Orchestra, The, Thornton Lofthouse, Reginald Jacques
Himmelfahrtsoratorium, BWV 11: Recitative. Then Jesus lifted His hands to heaven (Der Herr Jesus hub seine Hande auf) [Tenor]Johann Sebastian Bach, Ena Mitchell, Kathleen Ferrier, William Herbert, William Parsons, Cantata Singers, The, Jacques Orchestra, The, Thornton Lofthouse, Reginald Jacques
Himmelfahrtsoratorium, BWV 11: Recitative. My Saviour, Is the parting hour so near? (Bass) [Ach, Jesu, ist dein Abschied schon so nah?]Johann Sebastian Bach, Ena Mitchell, Kathleen Ferrier, William Herbert, William Parsons, Cantata Singers, The, Jacques Orchestra, The, Thornton Lofthouse, Reginald Jacques
Himmelfahrtsoratorium, BWV 11: Aria. Ah, tarry yet, my dearest Saviour (Ach bleibe doch, mein liebstes Leben) [Alto]Johann Sebastian Bach, Ena Mitchell, Kathleen Ferrier, William Herbert, William Parsons, Cantata Singers, The, Jacques Orchestra, The, Thornton Lofthouse, Reginald Jacques
Himmelfahrtsoratorium, BWV 11: Recitative. And behold He rose from the midst (Und ward aufgehaben zusehends) [Tenor]Johann Sebastian Bach, Ena Mitchell, Kathleen Ferrier, William Herbert, William Parsons, Cantata Singers, The, Jacques Orchestra, The, Thornton Lofthouse, Reginald Jacques
Himmelfahrtsoratorium, BWV 11: Chorale. Now at Thy feet creation lies (Nun lieget alles unter dir) [Chorus]Johann Sebastian Bach, Ena Mitchell, Kathleen Ferrier, William Herbert, William Parsons, Cantata Singers, The, Jacques Orchestra, The, Thornton Lofthouse, Reginald Jacques
Himmelfahrtsoratorium, BWV 11: Recitative and Duet. And while they looked steadfastly into heaven (Und da sie ihm nachsahen) [Tenor, Bass]Johann Sebastian Bach, Ena Mitchell, Kathleen Ferrier, William Herbert, William Parsons, Cantata Singers, The, Jacques Orchestra, The, Thornton Lofthouse, Reginald Jacques
Himmelfahrtsoratorium, BWV 11: Recitative. Ah Lord, now quickly come again (Ach ja! So komme bald zuruck) [Alto]Johann Sebastian Bach, Ena Mitchell, Kathleen Ferrier, William Herbert, William Parsons, Cantata Singers, The, Jacques Orchestra, The, Thornton Lofthouse, Reginald Jacques
Himmelfahrtsoratorium, BWV 11: Aria. Jesus, all Thy loving kindness (Jesu, deine Gnadenblicke) [Soprano]Johann Sebastian Bach, Ena Mitchell, Kathleen Ferrier, William Herbert, William Parsons, Cantata Singers, The, Jacques Orchestra, The, Thornton Lofthouse, Reginald Jacques
Himmelfahrtsoratorium, BWV 11: Chorale. When will the night be over? (Wann soll es doch geschehen) [Chorus]Johann Sebastian Bach, Ena Mitchell, Kathleen Ferrier, William Herbert, William Parsons, Cantata Singers, The, Jacques Orchestra, The, Thornton Lofthouse, Reginald Jacques
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