Feminine Fusion

November 26, 2017: One Voice

by Diane Jones

November 20, 2017

Marie-Nicole Lemieux in “Samson et Dalila” (photo by Yves Renaud)

“The soft contralto notes of a woman’s voice are born in the immediate region of the heart.” – Alfred de Musset

There is a wonderful richness to the contralto voice.  This week, we’ll hear performances from four marvelous contraltos, recorded over the last six decades.

“One Voice”

Johannes Brahms:  Two Songs for Alto, Viola and Piano
Marian Anderson, contralto
William Primrose, viola; Franz Rupp, piano
“Alto Rhapsody”
Pearl 9069

Sir Lennox Berkeley:  Four Poems of St. Teresa of Avila
Kathleen Ferrier, contralto
Hallé Orchestra; Sir John Barbirolli, conductor
“Kathleen Ferrier and Friends”
Pearl 229

Sergei Prokofiev:  The Field of Death (from “Alexander Nevsky)
Ewa Podleś, contralto
Filharmonia Poznanka, Lukasz Borowicz, conductor
“World Opera Stars: Ewa Podleś Live”
Dux 1134

Domenico Scarlatti:  Salve Regina
Marie-Nicole Lemieux, contralto
Tafelmusik; Jeanne Lamon, conductor
Analekta 3171

Franz Schubert:  Ave Maria
Marian Anderson, contralto; Kosti Vehanen, piano
“Marian Anderson: Let Freedom Ring!”
JSP Records 683

Run time:  58:30

Feminine Fusion highlights the roles of women in classical music. Host Diane Jones brings you stories and music of the women who create, perform, and inspire. Produced in the studios at WCNY-FM.