Russell Oberlin, one of the 20th century’s most celebrated countertenors, whose voice was famed for an earthy robustness that belied the ethereal heights to which it could ascend, died on Friday in Manhattan. He was 88. Critics lauded Mr. Oberlin for his sensitive phrasing, crystalline diction and full, warm, vibrato-rich tone that was devoid of the brittleness and hootiness that for countertenors are looming occupational hazards.
