Birth

:

October 11, 1928 in Akron, OH

Death

:

November 25, 2016 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Russell Oberlin was an American countertenor and early music specialist who was born on October 11, 1928, in Akron, Ohio. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Oberlin began his musical training at an early age, studying piano and voice with his mother. He later attended the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he studied voice with Richard Miller. After completing his studies at Oberlin, Oberlin moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. He quickly established himself as a leading countertenor, performing with some of the most prestigious early music ensembles of the time, including the New York Pro Musica and the Boston Camerata. Oberlin's unique voice and musicality quickly earned him a reputation as one of the finest countertenors of his generation. He was known for his clear, pure tone and his ability to convey the emotional depth of the music he performed. He was also a skilled interpreter of early music, and his performances were marked by a deep understanding of the historical context of the music he sang. Throughout his career, Oberlin performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and opera houses. He made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1959, singing the role of Oberon in Benjamin Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream. He also performed at the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh Festival, and the Holland Festival, among others. In addition to his work as a performer, Oberlin was also a respected teacher and scholar of early music. He taught at the New England Conservatory of Music and the Mannes College of Music, and he was a frequent lecturer and guest artist at universities and music festivals around the world. He also wrote extensively on early music, publishing articles and essays in a variety of scholarly journals. Oberlin's contributions to the world of early music were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1962, he was awarded the prestigious Prix Italia for his performance in a radio production of Monteverdi's L'Orfeo. He was also awarded the Handel Medallion by the City of New York in 1981, in recognition of his contributions to the cultural life of the city. Despite his many accomplishments, Oberlin remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his life. He continued to perform and teach well into his seventies, and he remained a beloved figure in the world of early music until his death in 2016. In conclusion, Russell Oberlin was a pioneering countertenor and early music specialist who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His unique voice and musicality, combined with his deep understanding of the historical context of the music he performed, made him one of the most respected and beloved performers of his generation. His legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and music lovers around the world.

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