During the last 10 years of his life Alfred Deller made approximately 50 recordings for Harmonia Mundi, and here, 25 years after his death in 1979, the label celebrates and commemorates the work of this uniquely gifted and influential artist. By all accounts of his colleagues (several tributes are included in this set's liner notes)--and evidenced by nearly every note he sang--Deller was a master of expression, of breath control, of the most gentle phrasing and subtle shadings of pitch, always in service of the text and in devotion to the beauty of the musical line. Anyone who closely listens and compares his singing to that of his contemporaries and successors comes away with the conviction that no one has been able to do with a song--even the simplest, most basic folksong--what Deller did. And although his voice has a bit of an edge and has a more penetrating, less-mellifluous cast than today's top countertenors, it also has a consistently clear, bell-like tone that's dead-center and impeccably tuned, and capable of the most minute variations in color and dynamics. It's simply a joy--and often a surprise--to hear.

Although this four-disc set is intended as a cornucopia of highlights, several tracks stand out--for me, the simpler the better. That means the solo songs and folksongs, including "The water is wide", "Down by the sally gardens", and "I will give my love an apple", the a cappella "The Wind and the Rain" (from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night), "It was a lover and his lass", and the incomparably masterful "Miserere my Maker", an absolutely astonishing display of vocal artistry and drama. Deller also shines in the Purcell theatre pieces, especially "Fairest Isle" from King Arthur.

If you've never heard Deller, this collection will provide reason enough to appreciate his singular achievement and stature in the history of vocal music and period-performance. You also may wish to investigate his other, earlier recordings on Vanguard, where you'll discover, in comparison to these selections from late in his career, the remarkable consistency of interpretation and of vocal quality and technical facility. Although it's not among Harmonia Mundi's recordings, I always will be convinced that Deller's rendition of "Annie Laurie" (Vanguard) is the most perfectly executed song performance ever captured on disc. Such a performer deserves everyone's attention and respect. Here's your chance. [6/16/2004]

--David Vernier