A Paen to Contraltos

In my last post, I highlighted the work of Kerstin Thorborg, a Swedish contralto. Today, I'd like to highlight the work of a contemporary contralto, Virginia Warnken. As far as I know, Ms. Warnken is relatively unknown, but since first hearing her voice, I have been captivated by it.

Contraltos are the rarest of voices: but, for me, possessed of a loveliness and gravity and grace quite unlike any of the other vocal ranges. Their rarity serves naturally to increase their value. Do listen to Ms. Warnken and wonder at her art: her confidence in her lower register, her evenness of tone, and her depth of feeling.