Kathleen Ferrier: Agnus Dei

[Bluetooth6483]

Yes, she was "The chosen instrument of God" (Dinu Lipatti)

[Dessiemae100]

Wonderful recording....THANKS poster!

[1785edouard]

@ annadisgrace: hahaha, very funny; very rare to find woman with a sense of humour. Brava!

[keesvangulik127]

Originally a pianist ( and a smoker ) someone adviced her to develop that lovely voice. The rest is history.

[63RobWanders]

ohhh this voice...on a throne in heaven sitting next to Björling and Callas

[LohengrinT]

@63RobWanders

well for Ferrier, I would imagine her next to the Throne of God

She was Sacred

[EmilyGreene1984]

@63RobWanders Don't forget Enrico Caruso, Titta Ruffo, and Rosa Ponselle.

[LohengrinT]

@EmilyGreene1984

ah the Serafin Triad that the old hag had used to spite Callas -

show me one person today who listens to Ponselle on regular basis (let alone the other two most people have never heard of :)))

[merryalto]

@LohengrinT I'm one person, and I know several others who still listen to those three. Caruso was the world's greatest tenor, Titta Ruffo was a wonderful baritone, and Rosa Ponselle's soprano voice was breathtaking. She is still one of my favorite Carmens, and that's saying a lot coming from a mezzo!

[szilvi68]

And Sutherland.:)

[LohengrinT]

@szilvi68

Sutherland and Ferrier on the same sentence? the most taleted mentally retarded singer of her generation with a pure Genius of sacred performances? Simply does not fit ;)

[merryalto]

@LohengrinT It is not necessary to denigrate the abilities and intelligence of a singer to say you don't consider her in the same league with your favourite. Joan Sutherland doesn't get enough credit for her own intelligence and choices in the way she sang, with too many giving all the credit to her husband, Richard Bonynge. I personally don't like to listen to Sutherland much because I like to understand what singers are saying, but she's not retarded.

[LohengrinT]

@merryalto

-ofc she was retarded but at least she wasnt both retarded and mean as her husband ;)

-im sure u listen every day to ponselle ruffo and caruso :)))))

[LohengrinT]

@Golmon251

sir Adrian Boult in n1952 

[Max0Inq]

Why so much vibrato? In my understanding of this piece it should be sung almost like a whispered, intimate prayer ("lamb of god *please* take away the sins of the world") rather than scream of man facing death, begging forgiveness at any cost. But de gustibus!

[LohengrinT]

@Max0Inq

I cannot imagine anyone not liking Ferrier in this :)

[filmbuff64]

@Max0Inq ..what is the point of your criticism/observation?the lady is beyond your nitpicking and we don,t need it .

[Max0Inq]

@filmbuff64 What's the point of your comment? I don't need it.

[LohengrinT]

@filmbuff64

Ι most certainly agree with you, criticizing Ferrier in religious interpretations is like criticizing God himself

[azotmazot]

this music is simply great !

i'm a "requiem lover", and this piece just got the first place among several !

bravo to Bach, and a big hug to the performer(s)

[LohengrinT]

@azotmazot

this music is indeed a Sad Prayer but it cannot be described as a requiem, I never listen to requiems as the bring tones of bad luck :))

[amfortas1978]

i cried when listened to this

[annadisgrace]

As I always say, we contraltos rule and Kathleen was our Queen!

[LohengrinT]

@annadisgrace

I am afraid contralti never did and never will rule but for the very experienced musical audiences. I personally adore them and yes Kathleen was the no1 amongst them. For me Ewa Podles is also a unique Goddess