Alfred Deller Centenary

Catherine Bott presents a programme to celebrate the centenary of the birth of the pioneering countertenor, Alfred Deller, who was born May 31st 1912. Catherine is joined in the studio by 3 countertenors, James Bowman, Robin Blaze and Alfred's son Mark, to discuss some of the many facets of Alfred's art. They play a selection of Alfred's many recordings dating from the 1950s, including some from the early days of Alfred's Deller Consort, one of his most important contributions to the early music movement. Catherine and Mark also chat about Stour Music, the Festival which Alfred founded and which celebrates its 50th anniversary this June. Music in the programme includes lute songs by Dowland and Campion, a scene from Handel's opera Orlando, and the 50 year old recording of father and son, Alfred and Mark, singing Purcell's Sound the Trumpet.