Alfred Deller

Alfred Deller ( born May 31, 1912 in Margate ( Kent ), † 16 July 1979, Bologna ) was an English countertenor.

Life

Alfred Deller first sang as a boy soprano. Later he became the Altus and occurred in the choirs of Canterbury Cathedral, and St. Paul. In 1948 he had his first solo show in London.

Deller sat in his repertoire initially a focus on English music of the Baroque. In 1950 he founded the Deller Consort, a vocal and instrumental ensemble, which was dedicated to the early English music. More than twenty years, the ensemble went on tour and celebrated with his interpretations of English Renaissance music with great success. In addition, his repertoire also included other castrato, about from operas by George Frideric Handel.

Deller, the first occurring again solo counter - tenor of the 20th century, made ​​his voice even outside of England again popular and was much responsible for ensuring that countertenors today play a significant role in early music.

He died during a vacation in Italy. He is with his wife Peggy (1913-2006) is buried in the village cemetery of Baughton Aluph in Ashford, Kent.