Johannes Brahms's Alto Rhapsody, Op. 53, was written in 1869 as a wedding gift for Julie, the daughter of Robert and Clara Schumann.
Performer Biography
Kathleen Ferrier made her stage debut in Benjamin Britten's opera 'The Rape of Lucretia' in 1946 and later became particularly associated with the role of Orfeo in Gluck's 'Orfeo ed Euridice'.
Performer Biography
Kathleen Ferrier, an English contralto, achieved international fame as a stage, concert, and recording artist, with a repertoire spanning from folksong to classical works.
Performer Biography
Ferrier's death from cancer at the height of her fame was a shock to the musical world and the public, who were kept unaware of her illness until after her passing.
Composition History
Brahms composed his Vier ernste Gesänge (Four Serious Songs) late in life, completing them by his birthday in 1896 in anticipation of his friend Clara Schumann's death.
Performer Biography
By her own choice, Kathleen Ferrier limited her operatic roles to only two: Benjamin Britten's 'The Rape of Lucretia' and Gluck's 'Orfeo ed Euridice'.
Performer Biography
Kathleen Ferrier initially showed talent as a pianist, winning amateur competitions while working for the General Post Office, and only began singing seriously in 1937 after winning a prestigious festival competition.
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