Immerse yourself in the timeless artistry of Kathleen Ferrier with this comprehensive collection, spanning a vast array of classical masterpieces. This 10-CD box set, released by Decca Music Group Ltd., showcases Ferrier's extraordinary vocal range and interpretive depth, featuring works from some of the most revered composers in history. From the poignant arias of Gluck's "Orfeo ed Euridice" to the profound spirituality of Bach's "St. Matthew Passion," each track is a testament to Ferrier's unparalleled talent and enduring legacy.
The album includes iconic pieces such as Handel's "Rodelinda," Mendelssohn's "Elijah," and Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater," each performed with Ferrier's signature warmth and clarity. The collection also features lesser-known gems, offering a rich and varied listening experience that highlights Ferrier's versatility and mastery of the classical repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album provides a deep dive into the artistry of one of the 20th century's most beloved contraltos. With a total duration of over nine hours, this box set is a treasure trove of musical excellence, capturing the essence of Ferrier's unique voice and her enduring impact on the world of classical music.
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 1: Coro: "Ah, se intorno a quest'urna funesta"Christoph Willibald Gluck, Glyndebourne Festival Chorus, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 1: Euridice! Ah! questo nome sanno le spiaggieChristoph Willibald Gluck, Kathleen Ferrier, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 1: Piango il mi ben cosìChristoph Willibald Gluck, Kathleen Ferrier, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 1: Della cetra tua a'dolci suoniChristoph Willibald Gluck, Zoe Vlachopoulos, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 1: Aria: "Gli sguardi trattieni"Christoph Willibald Gluck, Zoe Vlachopoulos, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 1: Recitativo: "Che disse? che ascoltai?"Christoph Willibald Gluck, Kathleen Ferrier, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 2: Ballo (Maestoso) - Coro: "Chi mai dell'Erebo"Christoph Willibald Gluck, Glyndebourne Festival Chorus, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 2: "Deh! placatevi con me"Christoph Willibald Gluck, Kathleen Ferrier, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 2: Coro: "Misero giovane"Christoph Willibald Gluck, Glyndebourne Festival Chorus, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 2: Arioso: "Che puro ciel, che chiaro sol"Christoph Willibald Gluck, Kathleen Ferrier, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 2: Coro: "Vieni a' regni del riposo"Christoph Willibald Gluck, Glyndebourne Festival Chorus, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 3: Ah! vieni, o dilettaChristoph Willibald Gluck, Kathleen Ferrier, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 3: Vieni, vieni con ma, vieni, o caraChristoph Willibald Gluck, Kathleen Ferrier, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 3: Ah! potess'io saper perchè ei tace tanto!Christoph Willibald Gluck, Ann Ayars, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 3: Aria: "Che fiero momento"Christoph Willibald Gluck, Ann Ayars, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 3: Ah! per me il duol ricomincia!Christoph Willibald Gluck, Kathleen Ferrier, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30 / Act 3: Aria: "Che farò senza Euridice?"Christoph Willibald Gluck, Kathleen Ferrier, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 3: Recitativo: "A finisca e per sempre"Christoph Willibald Gluck, Kathleen Ferrier, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 3: Gaudio, gaudio son al cuoreChristoph Willibald Gluck, Ann Ayars, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice) - Sung in Italian/Vienna version (1762) / Act 3: Coro: "Trionfi Amore!"Christoph Willibald Gluck, Glyndebourne Festival Chorus, Southern Philharmonic Orchestra, Fritz Stiedry
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 - Ed. Elgar, Atkins. Trans. Troutbeck. - Part One: Come ye daughtersJohann Sebastian Bach, The Bach Choir, The Jacques Orchestra, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 - Ed. Elgar, Atkins. Trans. Troutbeck. - Part One: My Master and my Lord...Grief for sinJohann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, The Jacques Orchestra, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 - Ed. Elgar, Atkins. Trans. Troutbeck. - Part One: Behold, my saviourJohann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, The Bach Choir, The Jacques Orchestra, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 - Ed. Elgar, Atkins. Trans. Troutbeck. - Part Two: Ah! now is my Saviour goneJohann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, The Bach Choir, The Jacques Orchestra, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 - Ed. Elgar, Atkins. Trans. Troutbeck. - Part Two: Have mercy Lord on me...Lamb of God, I fall....Johann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, The Jacques Orchestra, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 - Ed. Elgar, Atkins. Trans. Troutbeck. - Part Two: O gracious God!...If my tears be unavailing...Johann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, The Jacques Orchestra, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 - Ed. Elgar, Atkins. Trans. Troutbeck. - Part Two: O Sacred headJohann Sebastian Bach, The Bach Choir, The Jacques Orchestra, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 - Ed. Elgar, Atkins. Trans. Troutbeck. - Part Two: Ah, Golgotha!...See ye! See the Saviour's...Johann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, The Jacques Orchestra, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 - Ed. Elgar, Atkins. Trans. Troutbeck. - Part Two: Be near me, LordJohann Sebastian Bach, The Bach Choir, The Jacques Orchestra, Reginald Jacques
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 - Ed. Elgar, Atkins. Trans. Troutbeck. - Part Two: And now the Lord...In tears of griefJohann Sebastian Bach, Elsie Suddaby, Kathleen Ferrier, Eric Greene, William Parsons, The Bach Choir, The Jacques Orchestra, Reginald Jacques
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30: "What is life?"Christoph Willibald Gluck, Kathleen Ferrier, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Rodelinda, HWV 34 / Act 1: "Art thou troubled?"George Frideric Handel, Kathleen Ferrier, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 / Part Two: No. 39 "Have mercy, Lord on me."Johann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, David Mccullum, The National Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Lobet Gott in seinen Reichen, BWV 11 (Ascension Oratorio) - English version: Aria: Ah, tarry yetJohann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Ferrier, The Jacques Orchestra, Reginald Jacques
Serse / Act 1: "Ombra mai fù"George Frideric Handel, Kathleen Ferrier, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Malcolm Sargent
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25 / Part 1: "Woe, woe unto them who forsake Him!"Felix Mendelssohn, Kathleen Ferrier, Boyd Neel Orchestra, Boyd Neel
Elijah, Op. 70, MWV A25 / Part 2: "Oh rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him"Felix Mendelssohn, Kathleen Ferrier, Boyd Neel Orchestra, Boyd Neel
Stabat Mater: Stabat MaterGiovanni Battista Pergolesi, The Nottingham Oriana Choir, Boyd Neel Orchestra, Roy Henderson
Stabat Mater: Cujus animamGiovanni Battista Pergolesi, Joan Taylor, Boyd Neel Orchestra, Roy Henderson
Stabat Mater: O quam tristisGiovanni Battista Pergolesi, The Nottingham Oriana Choir, Boyd Neel Orchestra, Roy Henderson
Stabat Mater: Quae moerebatGiovanni Battista Pergolesi, Kathleen Ferrier, Boyd Neel Orchestra, Roy Henderson
Stabat Mater: Quis est homoGiovanni Battista Pergolesi, Joan Taylor, Kathleen Ferrier, The Nottingham Oriana Choir, Boyd Neel Orchestra, Roy Henderson
Stabat Mater: Vidit suum dulcem natumGiovanni Battista Pergolesi, Joan Taylor, Boyd Neel Orchestra, Roy Henderson
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.