Alfred Deller

Alfred Deller 1912-79, English countertenor . He began his career as a chorister in his parish church. From 1940-47 he was a lay clerk at Canterbury Cathedral, and in 1947 he was appointed to the choir of St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Deller's unusual voice was particularly suited to Renaissance music and to the music of Handel and Purcell. In 1948 he formed the Deller Consort, which presented authentic performances of medieval, Renaissance, and baroque music; the consort made numerous recordings and performed all over the world. Deller's son, Mark Deller, is also a countertenor, who often performed with his father.

Deller, Alfred (George) (b Margate, 1912; d Bologna, 1979). Eng. countertenor. Lay clerk Canterbury Cath. 1940–7. Was heard in 1943 by Tippett, who invited him to sing at a Morley Coll. concert. Sang Purcell's Come, ye Sons of art, away on opening night of BBC Third Programme, Sept. 1946. Full-time career from 1947. Formed Deller Consort 1950 for authentic perf. of baroque mus. (début Salzburg Fest. 1972). Deller's artistry almost solely responsible for revival of counterten. v. and its use in Purcell, Handel, Monteverdi, etc. Created role of Oberon in A Midsummer Night's Dream, 1960. OBE 1970. Son Mark Deller (b St. Leonards, 1938) is also counterten.

Dupré, Desmond (John) (b London, 1916; d nr. Tonbridge, 1974). Eng. lutenist, guitarist, and viol player. Lute-song duo with Alfred Deller from 1950, touring widely. Many solo recitals. Recorded J. S. Bach's sonatas for va. da gamba and hpd. with Thurston Dart. Member of Morley Consort, Jaye Consort of Viols, Musica Reservata, etc.