Alfred Deller at harmonia mundi (1969–1979)

Universally considered the first great countertenor in modern history, Alfred Deller joined harmonia mundi thanks to an effective (though friendly) “ambush” mounted by the label’s founder at the end of the 1960s. The artist proceeded to make all his recordings for the label until his death in 1979: solo recitals (some of his Purcell albums have become legendary), madrigal collections, and at the head of the Deller Consort. For this section, we have selected 15 iconic recordings, including three reissues on vinyl, and two commemorative box sets.