Kathleen Ferrier & Celtic Harp

Yes, I know, Kathleen Ferrier is sacred territory and I have dared to tread on holy ground! I had such a wonderful time playing the harp with this magnificent singer that I couldn't resist making a video of it.

Kathleen Ferrier, for those who are not familiar with her, was arguably the greatest contralto of all time. She was born in Lancashire, England, in 1912 and died in 1953 at the age of only 43. The world of classical music mourned her loss and the recordings she left (many of them with the finest conductors and symphony orchestras of her day) are considered by many to be unsurpassed.

This traditional English song, BLOW THE WIND SOUTHERLY, was one of Miss Ferrier's signature pieces, and she recorded this version of it, without accompaniment, in 1949. I wondered what it might sound like with a very simple Celtic harp arrangement and this is what I came up with. I tried to stay out of the way!

One thing I found interesting about Miss Ferrier's interpretation of the song, is that she sang it using A=435 which was a popular tuning throughout the 1930's, until it was changed in 1939 to the standard international concert pitch of A=440 in use today. Apart from perfect pitch (which I am certain she must have possessed) Miss Ferrier had an unequalled quality of heartfelt honesty and purity in her voice. There are people who cannot listen to it without being profoundly affected by the sound. I am one of those people.

The instrument I am using is a Dilling Model single action Celtic style harp made by harp maker Arsalaan Fey. This particular harp was once the property of the great American harpist Mildred Dilling herself, and part of her unique collection of instruments. Unlike simple folk harps, it has a mechanism similar to the pedals of a modern concert harp.

No one can improve on Kathleen Ferrier's superb original recording of this song. What I have tried to do here is to frame the song slightly differently in the hope that people who may not be familiar with her exquisite artistry may discover her and perhaps enjoy her as much as I do.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• kathleen
• ferrier
• blow
• the
• wind
• southerly
• celtic
• harp
• peter
• pringle

[ashliesify]

gorgeous..... and the music

[myheartwaves]

Is there an instrument you do not play well, Peter? This was simply beautiful! I believe Kathleen would have been deeply pleased with this!!!! I will have to look up more of her music.... her voice has a quality and richness to it that is, as you say, so pure and honest.... almost angelic. Thank you for sharing this amazing lady with us!

[BazzasBest]

I cannot believe that Kathleen could have disapproved. It's beautiful music.

[2007danman]

Thanks a lot for sharing this lovely version. Very well done! Love your accompaniment to Ms. Ferrier.

To me, you are adding yet another very nice dimension to Ms. Ferrier's wonderful voice!

[ralfystuff]

... very beutifully done.

[dewarfinch1]

At the risk of sacrilege I must say that this accompanied version of Kathleen Ferrier is quite well accomplished. It is nice, but not for the purists, of which I am normally one.

[RiversideTenor]

bella voce!

[leedsbulldog]

My Mums Favourite Singer - She watched her perform at Dewsbury Empire Circa 1946. Very well balanced 'Duet' - well done

[jenson7720]

Lovely!

[dextropropoxyphened]

Could be a bit louder !