Alfred George Deller
(1912-1979), SingerSitter in 1 portrait
Deller was discovered by Tippett singing in Canterbury Cathedral Choir during the Second World War, and is remembered for reviving the Purcellian male counter-tenor voice. During the 1950s he sang in early music concerts at the Aldeburgh Festival; and in 1960, inspired by the unearthly quality of his voice, Britten wrote for him the leading role of Oberon in his opera A Midsummer Night's Dream. Although replaced when the opera was presented at Covent Garden in 1961, Deller sang Oberon for the recording made by Decca in 1966.
by Godfrey Argent
bromide print, 6 March 1970
NPG x13347
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