Alfred Deller (1912-1979) was a pioneering English countertenor whose career had a profound impact on the revival of Baroque and early music. Born in Margate, Deller discovered his distinct vocal quality, akin to a male alto voice, which at the time was fairly unusual for professional singers. He became one of the first modern countertenors to achieve fame, paving the way for the resurgence of early vocal repertoire and the countertenor voice in the mid-20th century.

After initial engagements with local choirs and as a soloist, Deller's talent was recognized by the composer Michael Tippett who helped him gain prominence. In 1948, Alfred Deller formed the Deller Consort, a group dedicated to the performance of early music, which enjoyed international success. His expansive discography includes works by composers such as Henry Purcell, John Dowland, and Claudio Monteverdi, and his authentic approach to performance practice influenced generations of early music enthusiasts. Deller's legacy not only survives through his recordings but also through his son, Mark Deller, who followed in his footsteps as a countertenor. Alfred Deller stood out as a key figure in the early music revival, whose contributions helped reassert the beauty and significance of repertoire from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Genres

Classical Countertenor

Latest Release

Alfred Deller: English Ballads and Folk Songs (Remastered 2023)

Alfred Deller

Album - 33 Tracks - Released January 11, 2023