Search - Alfred & Mark Deller :: Folksongs

A voice teacher and early music fan

George Peabody | Planet Earth | 10/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"ALFRED DELLER AND SON MARK PROVIDE A TUNEFUL RENDITION OF SOME INTERESTING FOLK SONGS!

Truly the value of a 'work' must be its ability to resist the passage of time. Although it is impossible to give even approximate dates to the songs Alfred Deller has assembled for this record, we do know that they are all very old! The references to knights in armour, hinds, the importance of nature, the sun and small birds, a simple tailor or weaver,the simplicity and artlessness of the love stories all permit us to place them between the 13th and 17th centuries.



In England attempts to collect the largest possible number of folk songs has been going on for years. Composers of the Golden Age of English music made frequent use of popular music and Alfred Deller,himself, discovered "The Three Ravens" and "The Oak and the Ash". In the quest for new musical experiences, it is good to know that a source of popular music existed in England to enrich the experience of serious composers.



One has to mention here that Alfred Deller also paved the way for a generation of countertenors; he 'broke the ice' so to speak for their inclusion in the musical world as a separate performing entity; not just an added part in choral music. He, along with his son Mark, have put together a truly charming and interesting recording. The voices are very much alike and I find it somewhat difficult to separate them, except of course, when they are soloing. The singing is skillful and musically correct; and the diction is flawless.



While Deller's voice is not MY favoite countertenor voice; it is deep, strong and somewhat "hooty". James Bowman sings in much the same manner. I prefer the more resonant, full and ethereal voice as in Michael Chance and Derek Ragin. But Deller and Bowman have a large contingent of fans who would not agree with me. But this disc is so pleasant to listen to , that vocal preference is not that important. So if you like a good collection of interesting songs sung very well,this is it!!!!!"

Beautiful singing

Natalie Jenne | 04/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is what a counter tenor should sound like. Light and flexible voice with a real grasp of the music."