Hertha Töpper (1924-2020) was an Austrian contralto and mezzo-soprano, admired in Bach, oratorio, opera and German song. She became one of the notable post-war singers in sacred and concert repertory.

In the Pristine catalogue she appears in Karl Richter’s 1958 recording of Bach’s St Matthew Passion.

Töpper’s singing combined depth, steadiness and devotional restraint, qualities central to Bach’s alto writing. Her voice gives the music gravity without theatrical heaviness.

Her page is justified by stature and repertory. Töpper brings a dark, calm centre to the Bach Passion shelf.