Kathleen Ferrier ~ What is life & Art thou troubled

[@Sunflowers159]

The greatest honour that anyone has ever paid to me was when I sang Que Faro at a music festival in the mid-1980s. A woman came up to me afterwards and said that she'd been at Kathleen Ferrier's last concert at Covent Garden and my voice reminded her of that performance. I had great difficulty stopping myself from crying when she said that.

[@MalcTV]

Imagine hearing this lovely and tragic music in 1946, at the end of WW2 where literally millions of people lost their loved ones! Wow.

[@margaretboon9833]

This is the greatest voice of the 20th century - without comparison

[@thecubanism]

Klever Kaff lived not more than a 10 minute drive from my home, I visit her memorial garden regularly, she epitomises, far more than the Lennons or Mcartneys, the true spirit of music, real music, music which makes me, a council housed, ill-educated, kid who was fortunate enough to meet a mentor who taught me real music, When I hear 'What is Life' from Glucks Orpheo, I dissolve in tears

[@barbarafee2482]

I was brought up in a children's home in Harpenden. Unlike the hell that other kids went through elsewhere, we had Sister Ethel Smith. One of the most wonderful people I have ever know. She converted us all to Kathleen Ferrier. Strange but true, my 96 year old aunt sang in a backing choir for Kathleen Ferrier.

[@peteryasin4155]

I knew Kathleen when I was 6 years old was greatly upset when she diedin 1953. Her voice is unique and raises the hairs on my neck.Her brother in law,many years later taught me to play the organ.

[@patrickslattery5013]

Two beautiful arias from a beautiful lady who has left us a wonderful legacy. She will have enriched heaven immensely.

[@patrickhopkins7446]

what a beautiful person with a truly amazing voice, rest in peace our kath,x

[@bilstew]

What a simply superb artist is the lovely Kathleen.I never tire of hearing her lovely voice and seeing her beautiful face. Without you Kathleen ALL our lives are diminished.

[@anjodian251]

No contralto comes close to Ferrier, before or since. Thank you for posting.

[@DavidKeithJones]

Che faro senza Kathleen? Her early death was a great loss. One of the great voices which touched everyone who heard it.

[@annabellemark5053]

My father died the same week aged 40 a professional singer also, so this always reminds me I was just a baby at the time

[@kittytwister]

Tears are in my eyes listening to Kathleen and thinking when i was young telling my mother who loved this second piece "Arth thou troubled" that I thought this was trash. How foolish we can be when young?

[@Katietoo]

What a beautiful evocative song by Kathleen Ferrier and the equally beautiful comments the words have inspired. Peace and Love to all .....

[@kraaipoes]

like I read a story from my own youth,and than continuing ,the story of me listening when my father was singing along with this heavenly music.You always wonders what is the secret of her pure and beautifull voice.God bless kathleen ferrier.

[@dmtudor]

I remember a Lynda La Plante crime series called "Widows" in the early 80's. At the very end of the final episode, one of the key characters lay dead on the floor .. and instead of the usual end-music, they simply rolled the credits against an old, muffled version of "What Is Life". It totally blew me away and I spent years trying to track down the music - it turned out to be this very Kathleen Ferrier version ... and I still love it, 25 years on.

[@porthrepta]

Nobody, but nobody, equals that dramatic, spine-tingling climax. Such power, such emotion.

[@Kings_New_Clothese]

its happening again. Whenever I hear a truly great singer, the hair at the back of my neck stands up. I remember reading about Kathleen as a child, but this is the first time I have actually heard her singing. NOW, I perfectly understand why she is up there with Callas etc as one of the great female singers of all time.

[@marknorwood43]

First heard "What is life--"whilst lodging with an older couple in Middlesex, they would sit in silence and listen to music. I was a tax office trainee! The next song was one I learnt from the music teacher of the then "Southlands 2ndary School" in New Romney, as a pupil of singing aged 14, the lessons a gift from my elder sister. Great memories.

[@marknamaswa596]

My dad gave me a book entitled; Kathleen Ferrier-A memoir. We still have it in our library so I grew up knowing her in black and white.

[@chilledminx]

Wonderful, amazing, beautiful voice. What a tragedy she was taken from us so young.

[@fimerle]

Sitting here with tears in my eyes. First heard Kathleen in 1952 and have yet to hear a more gifted contralto (and I have heard quite a few since then). Her voice is rich and warm and so moving particularly singing Handle and Gluck. Thank you for posting this entry

[@badmartianshrew]

listening to this over the phone with my 80yr old friend. She is crooning along with Kathleen. What a magical moment.

[@Nijinsky47]

Sharing her birthday, I was named after this sublime singer. I was introduced to her inimitably beautiful voice at an early age by my mother who, at nearly 100 years' old still almost weeps - as do I - when I play her Miss Ferrier's records. Such incredible singing, such a tragic loss.

[@SponDooley]

Nijinsky47 That's really nice about your mother and you. Thanks for sharing. It's hard not to do the same when listening to such exquisite music. They don't write or sing stuff like this these days, more's the pity.

[@Pitborn]

Nijinsky47 Your mother is not alone with these feelings. My eyes are wet. How is it possible to sing like 3:00 ff ?

[@iteachbass]

There simply are no words to describe such beauty.

[@guitarcat5]

Still my favourite song and always will be...what a magic voice Kathleen had!...funny tale...I was a teenager and painting a disabled friend's front windows...singing along at the top of my voice with a recording of this..when I focused on a bus queue beyond the hedge ..all looking rather startled (panic stricken perhaps!!!) I was such a shy body I just died with embarrassment...thankfully the bus appeared....! (I check all windows first now..Haha!) ^..^

[@MrMickmonk]

this is so spiritually moving ...sang by a very spiritual voice so moving 10/10

[@artwilliams9019]

A good Blackburn girl god bless her and her northern voice

[@Pitborn]

art williams I am not English. But when I hear this I wish I were.

[@Thoughtland]

Way back in the mists of time when I was wee I used to hear her singing Blow the Wind Southerly on the radio

[@StephensOrigamiWorkshop]

Wonderfull, absolutley wonderfull

[@tezjag3]

A voice like that should not die, It is supreme.Terry

[@Pitborn]

Terry Dyer Be sure: It won't die.

[@fardellp]

My favorite female singer was Adelina Patti - now its Kathleen Ferrier. I can't listen to this without welling up. Will never be equalled. Peter

[@carlastaton4150]

I used to sing these songs at the top of my voice in the car with my kids. Happy days.

[@johncliffe39]

first heard her recordings at secondary school and loved her ever since, some 45 years in time

[@marcellny]

who can dislike this? maybe someone who likes the baritonello's masquerading as countertenors today? this... is one of the most awesome voices and interpretations of this aria, even if in the awkward English language.

[@ralphberney7768]

Kathleen Ferrier reduces one to ashes, in a profound and positive sense, the listener consumed by admiration,reverence and inspiration, by the beauty and sincerity of a supreme voice of such tenderness, reach and power, with such richness, rubato, resonance, purity of tone, spirit and belief in what she sings-all so modestly.

[@mayjar1]

Does it get any better than this. I don't think so. Beautiful.

[@patrickhopkins7446]

a truly awesome voice, a gift from the gods that was taken back way to soon, we couldn't possibly dream of seeing another. utterly amazing,

[@OldGrumpyGuy]

My favorite Kathleen Ferrier song is "What is Life " from Gluck's Orfeo

[@MrMickmonk]

voice of a angel this woman

[@BryanMRoland]

in 1946 I was 2 years old - I did not hear this awsome rendition of this piece of life essence till I was much older and had children and my eldest son played it to me and asked why it made him cry? I could not answer......I was crying!!!!! peter was 10 55 years ago - I was 25..... 40 years ago!!!!!

[@JorieFrancis]

A Favourite played to me as a child at school assembly, those teacher knew what they were doing.

[@Mickell1234]

My two favourites, I never tire of hearing her beautiful voice, thanks.

[@paulostroff99]

Lovely beyond comparison! Brava!

[@sylviavalentinavadimova3432]

Beautiful! What an artist!

[@MrPipposiculo]

Voce stupenda e indimenticabile

[@MrMickmonk]

HOW can anyone not like this .. guess there's no pleaseing in some ''sigh''

[@bilstew]

A truly marvellous voice, Unique and unequalled.

[@porthrepta]

The English version may sing less well, but in terms of poetic power it wins hands down: What is life to me without thee What is left if thou art dead? What is life; life without thee? What is life without my love? What is left if thou art dead? Eurydice! Eurydice! Ah, hear me. Oh, answer! Oh answer! Thy dear lord am I so faithful, My dear lord am I, who loves thee, Who doth love thee! Eurydice! Eurydice! In my dread anguish nought can aid me, None can comfort. Earth is cruel, heav’n is cold!

[@rhiannonhopkins6876]

I am no fan of opera sung in English, but this is a most sublime and glorious exception! Thank you, Kathleen

[@Wisterialodge]

Kathleen is surely unique. Her sound is eternal.

[@rat12345chris]

the best makes you wonder what music so good god bless her

[@MARESPANIOLA]

Ferrier is my queen of contralto!

[@bonnies1234567]

Kathleen's joyous, yet spiritual interpretation, so warm and real wakens within me the meaning of compassion and thoughtfulness.

[@maikedulk]

what a wonderful voice

[@philiphumphreys3991]

My childhood favouries from age less than 5. One of my parents favourites Hence my exposure.to this classic

[@fionajohnston5206]

Yes this immortalises her and surely another of my favourites- hauntingly beautiful.

[@shanipan]

I grew up with this music - she was my mother's favourite singer. I sang along to her albums as a child and studied this song in my musical study days, I plan to sing this at her funeral - it is the essence of both of us - music will calm us. So moving!

[@BbMinor]

Wow! What a voice! :D

[@minniemoo1]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@singsong1940]

Just heavenly, makes me weep its so beautiful. I miss you so much Mum and Dad. Miss you too John.

[@DavidRimanelliselect]

Always brings a tear to the eye.

[@mjfeven]

A light has gone has gone out from this world and I shall miss her.

[@RiaLake]

Tears flowed throughout. So beautiful thank you.

[@SINGINGOPERAFAN]

a voice so beautiful, it makes me weep.

[@thombotomb]

So utterly moving! I understand that this lady's nature was as beautiful as her voice. This shows through in the thoughtful accompanying montage of photos. Thank you!

[@philipmajor9561]

a favourite from an early age.

[@Rozie7748]

This is an English version of the famous aria from Gluck's opera "Orfeo et Euridice." The piece was first performed in Vienna on 5 October 1762.

[@buttonfreezer]

lovely lovely lovely les reves mysteriese de mon enfance. burnley be proud of her. even now she steps back intt our lives because death cannot hold her back.we have lived to hear that voice. so beautiful and so of england. thankyou Kathleen.

[@robertparkes4982]

Beautiful...........

[@falconoilcompany]

i blubbed when i read ilandyers post about his/her dad, i know just what they mean. spot on, as for the song, quite beautiful as was Kathleen.

[@tyedrooms]

thank you, we hold this vinal recording .. it is the word colour, quite simple. This love of this heart, knowing each word, then use of languague. Blessings upon this soul ever lasting.

[@basquill1]

@Thoughtland Yes I very much remember "Blow the Wind Southerly" and hearing Kathleen singing it on the radio as a child - my mother loved Kathleen Ferrier and used to love to sing along with her.

[@donbavand49]

Thank you so much for posting this. This recording was probably the first opera I ever heard. I remember it being on the radio quite often in the 1950s, and I always loved it, even when I was too little to really understand what it was or who Kathleen Ferrier was.

[@tmmmviii]

Thanks for posting this. Never heard her before, but this is fourth song in a row on which she sounds really good.

[@missionpants]

Sylvia McNair... That's all I have to say! But what a BEAUTIFUL voice I hear here!

[@hoppobun7]

With out a doubt the voice of an angel, Beautiful. concise, crystal clear ,music for the soul , Thanks for this Russell , you can sing a bit as well!!!! atb Brian

[@philipmajor3317]

Recall playing the decca ffss record from an early age.

[@stamsospecial]

maravilla!! thanks for posting these!!

[@MrPipposiculo]

Un grande contralto che ci ha lasciato troppo presto .

[@wilgared]

You said it all.

[@johnhoy6635]

Reigns supreme

[@philiphumphreys5343]

My late parents favourite.Exposed me to this at an early age.plus some classical music. Has influenced my musical taste more than somewhat. No regrets however.

[@bilstew]

Blest are the glorious dead for they shall live forever.

[@bonnies1234567]

Know what you mean. I cannot play my inspirational CDs in the car either.

[@francesca7564]

Onirique .... Merci pour le post !

[@classy_dweller]

Indeed ,adorable ,a truly wonderful voice! And this Second Person Singular English Pronoun- "Thoy art...." sounds so pleasurably friendly !!!

[@TheTympanist]

c'est cela la musique ,c'est le chant d'un ange

[@swanningaround]

She is the greatest - along with Leontyne. These ladies can do no wring.

[@xwsftassell]

Tip top.

[@RussellWatson777]

A lovely anecdote Cat5, cute ~☺

[@anorak64]

She had such an unique voice, it's a travesty that she died so young.

[@philiphumphreys3991]

Have this recording on the decca label 33rpm ffss

[@BryanMRoland]

P.s. She died 56 years ago and 21,183 views of love show her unbeatable fingerprint

[@MARESPANIOLA]

Все! Ферриер - моя королева!

[@beadisciple]

W.G. Rothery