Alfred Deller

Alfred Deller (born May 31, 1912, died July 16, 1979) was an English singer, one of the main figures in popularizing the use of the countertenor voice in renaissance and baroque music.

Related Topics:
May 31 - 1912 - July 16 - 1979 - English - Singer - Countertenor - Renaissance - Baroque music

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Deller was born in Margate, and as a boy studyied singing with his father. When his voice broke, he continued singing as a countertenor. He concentrated on English baroque and renaissance music by composers such as John Dowland and Henry Purcell. He formed the Deller Consort in 1948, a group dedicated to historically accurate performances of that kind of music.

Related Topics:
Margate - Countertenor - John Dowland - Henry Purcell - Deller Consort - Historically accurate performances

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1960, Deller sang the role of Oberon in Benjamin Britten's opera A Midsummer Night's Dream. This was the first role for a countertenor since the baroque period, and Britten wrote it with Deller specifically in mind.

Related Topics:
Oberon - Benjamin Britten - Opera - A Midsummer Night's Dream

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Deller died while on holiday in Bologna, Italy.

Related Topics:
Bologna - Italy

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~