Purcell: Music for a While

On this CD:

1. O let me weep ("The Plaint" from "The Fairy Queen"), aria, Z. 629/40 The Plaint
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by William Christie, Alfred Deller, Wieland Kuijken, Roderick Skeaping

2. If music be the food of love, song, Z. 379 (3 settings)
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by William Christie, Alfred Deller, Wieland Kuijken

3. The Indian Queen, semi-opera, Z. 630 I attempt from Love's sickness
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by William Christie, Alfred Deller, Wieland Kuijken

4. Fairest Isle (from "King Arthur"), aria for soprano, Z. 628/38 Fairest Isle
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by William Christie, Alfred Deller, Wieland Kuijken

5. Sweeter than roses (from "Pausanius"), song, Z. 585/1 Sweeter than roses
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by William Christie, Alfred Deller, Wieland Kuijken

6. Not all my torments can your pity move, song, Z. 400
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by William Christie, Alfred Deller, Wieland Kuijken

7. Thrice Happy Lovers (Epithalamium from "The Fairy Queen"), aria for soprano, Z. 629/39bc Thrice happy lovers
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by William Christie, Alfred Deller, Wieland Kuijken

8. Now that the sun hath veiled his light, sacred song for soprano & continuo, Z. 193
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by William Christie, Alfred Deller, Wieland Kuijken

9. From rosir bow'rs (from "Don Quixote"), song, Z. 578/9 From rosy bow'rs
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by William Christie, Alfred Deller, Wieland Kuijken

10. O lead me to some peaceful gloom (from "Bonduca"), song, Z. 574/17 O lead me to some peaceful gloom
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by William Christie, Alfred Deller, Wieland Kuijken

11. Retir'd from any mortal's sight (from "The History of King Richard II"), song, Z. 581/1 Retired from any mortal's sight
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by William Christie, Alfred Deller, Wieland Kuijken

12. Music for a While (from "Oedipus"), song, Z. 583/2
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by William Christie, Alfred Deller, Wieland Kuijken

13. Since from my dear Astrea's sight (from "Prophetess"), aria for soprano, Z. 627/App2 Since from my dear Astrea's sight
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by William Christie, Alfred Deller, Wieland Kuijken

14. O solitude, my sweetest choice, song, Z. 406
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by William Christie, Alfred Deller, Robert Elliot, Wieland Kuijken, Jane Ryan

Tracks:

O Solitude - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North
Ah! How Sweet It Is To Love - Nancy Argenta/Richard Boothby/Paul Nicholson
Not All My Torments - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North/Paul Nicholson
Stripp'd Of Their Green - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North/Richard Boothby/Paul Nicholson
Tell Me, Some Pitying Angel - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North/Richard Boothby/Paul Nicholson
If Music Be The Food Of Love - Nancy Argenta/Richard Boothby/Paul Nicholson
Hark! Hark! The Echoing Air - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North/Richard Boothby/Paul Nicholson
The Fatal Hour Comes On Apace - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North
Incassum, Lesbia - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North/Paul Nicholson
Sweeter Than Roses - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North/Richard Boothby
Cupid, The Slyest Rogue Alive - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North/Richard Boothby/Paul Nicholson
From Silent Shades - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North/Richard Boothby/Paul Nicholson
Dear Pretty Youth - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North/Richard Boothby
From Rosy Bow'rs - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North/Richard Boothby/Paul Nicholson
Now That The Sun Hath Veil'd His Light - Nancy Argenta/Paul Nicholson
Beneath A Poplar's Shadow - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North/Richard Boothby
I Attempt From Love's Sickness To Fly - Nancy Argenta/Paul Nicholson
Let Us Dance - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North/Richard Boothby/Paul Nicholson
Fairest Isle - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North
O Solitude - Nancy Argenta/Richard Boothby

Tracks:

Nymphs And Shepherds - Nancy Argenta/Nicholas Robinson/Fiona Huggett/Trevor Jones/Richard Boothby/Nigel North/John Toll
Amidst The Shades And Cool Refreshing Streams - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North
Love In Their Little Veins Inspires - Nancy Argenta/Rachel Becket/Marion Scott/Richard Boothby/Nigel North
Fly Swift, Ye Hours - Nancy Argenta/Richard Boothby/Nigel North/John Toll
They Tell Us That Your Mighty Powers - Nancy Argenta/Nicholas Robinson/Fiona Huggett/Trevor Jones/Richard Boothby/Nigel North/John Toll
The Plaint: O Let Me Weep - Nancy Argenta/Pauline Nobes/Richard Boothby/Nigel North/John Toll
In The Black, Dismal Dungeon Of Despair - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North/John Toll
See, Even Night Herself Is Here - Nancy Argenta/Nicholas Robinson/Fiona Huggett/Trevor Jones
Why Should Men Quarrel? - Nancy Argenta/Rachel Becket/Marion Scott/Richard Boothby/John Toll
Seek Not To Know - Nancy Argenta/Paul Goodwin/Sophia McKenna/Richard Boothby/Nigel North/John Toll
Retir'd From Mortals' Sight - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North
To Arms, Heoric Prince - Nancy Argenta/Mark Bennett/Richard Boothby/Nigel North/John Toll
O Lead Me To Some Peaceful Gloom - Nancy Argenta/Richard Boothby/Nigel North/John Toll
Halcyon Days - Nancy Argenta/Paul Goodwin/Pauline Nobes/Richard Boothby/Nigel North/John Toll
Bid The Virtues - Nancy Argenta/Paul Goodwin/Richard Boothby/Nigel North/John Toll
Lord, What Is Man? (A Divine Hymn) - Nancy Argenta/Richard Boothby/Nigel North/John Toll
Music For A While - Nancy Argenta/John Toll
If Music Be The Food Of Love (1st Setting) - Nancy Argenta/Richard Boothby/John Toll
Sawney Is A Bonny Lad (A Scotch Song) - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North
When I Have Often Heard Young Maids Complaining - Nancy Argenta/Nicholas Robinson/Fiona Huggett/Richard Boothby/Nigel North/John Toll
Ah! Cruel, Bloody Fate - Nancy Argenta/Nigel North/John Toll
Thy Hand, Belinda... When I Am Laid In Earth - Nancy Argenta/Nicholas Robinson/Fiona Huggett/Trevor Jones/Richard Boothby/Nigel North

Customer Reviews:

Nice Collection.......2007-03-05

I have many collections of Purcell's Music. This collection stands up to them at half the price. Solid buy.

PERFECT!.......2006-10-26

There is only a word with which I can describe this set of discs: perfect!
The only flaw there is, is not related to the singing or playing: no text enclosed.

Great singing and excellent value for money.......2004-09-19

This is probably one of the best anthologies of Purcell songs around, and not just because it's two-for-one pricing means it contains twice as much music (CD1:74'24" & CD2: 77'41")! Nancy Argenta has an irrepressible sense of style and crystal clear diction. But unlike Emma Kirby, whose vocal purity can become tiresome, these renditions radiate warmth. She is also, I have found, more consistently involving than any one of the singers in Hyperion's three disc survey of Complete Secular Songs (recently reissued as a single set). One marvels at how she judiciously balances restraint and emotional forthrightness. The accompaniments (archlute, viola da gamba, harpsichord, and organ) are well judged and blend with the voice, all helped by an excellently defined recording acoustic. This is an absolute winner at any price!

More than two hours of beautiful 17th century 'ayres'.......2001-08-02

Two CDs, totaling more than 150 minutes of sparsely-arranged (never more than 3-5 instruments at a time), sweetly-sung, 350 year old 'ayres' (a typically English form of secular music). Nancy Argenta's soprano voice is lovely, silvery indeed as her name implies. The instruments are a discreet but friendly accompaniment to her solo voice. Perhaps the instruments are a little too discreet -- there are times when I wish they were a touch more prominent. But that is a very, very minor complaint. A beautiful collection, and quite well worth the money.

Angels Hide Their Faces: Dawn Upshaw Sings Bach and Purcell

Average customer rating:

Beautiful, fervent Bach, but the Purcell songs are a bit prettified
Now that the Sun hath veil'd his light.....
Picky reviewers
hark ! how well the lady sings

Angels Hide Their Faces: Dawn Upshaw Sings Bach and Purcell

Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Voices of Light
Forgotten Songs: Dawn Upshaw Sings Debussy
I Wish It So
Dawn Upshaw Sings Rodgers & Hart
Girl with Orange Lips

ASIN: B000059LXH
Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

Music For A While - Dawn Upshaw/Myron Lutzke/Arthur Haas
I Attempt From Love's Sickness To Fly - Dawn Upshaw/Myron Lutzke/Arthur Haas
Ah! How Sweet It Is To Love - Dawn Upshaw/Myron Lutzke/Arthur Haas
Lord, What Is Man - Dawn Upshaw/Myron Lutzke/Arthur Haas
Hark! How All Things - Dawn Upshaw/Myron Lutzke/Arthur Haas
Cantata BWV 199: Mein Herze Schwimmt Im Blut: Recitativo - Dawn Upshaw/Krista Bennion Feeney/Linda Quan/Lois Martin/Myron Lutzke/John Feeney/Peggy Pearson...
Cantata BWV 199: Mein Herze Schwimmt Im Blut: Aria - Dawn Upshaw/Krista Bennion Feeney/Linda Quan/Lois Martin/Myron Lutzke/John Feeney/Peggy Pearson...
Cantata BWV 199: Mein Herze Schwimmt Im Blut: Recitativo - Dawn Upshaw/Krista Bennion Feeney/Linda Quan/Lois Martin/Myron Lutzke/John Feeney/Peggy Pearson...
Cantata BWV 199: Mein Herze Schwimmt Im Blut: Aria - Dawn Upshaw/Krista Bennion Feeney/Linda Quan/Lois Martin/Myron Lutzke/John Feeney/Peggy Pearson...
Cantata BWV 199: Mein Herze Schwimmt Im Blut: Recitativo - Dawn Upshaw/Krista Bennion Feeney/Linda Quan/Lois Martin/Myron Lutzke/John Feeney/Peggy Pearson...
Cantata BWV 199: Mein Herze Schwimmt Im Blut: Chorale - Dawn Upshaw/Krista Bennion Feeney/Linda Quan/Lois Martin/Myron Lutzke/John Feeney/Peggy Pearson...
Cantata BWV 199: Mein Herze Schwimmt Im Blut: Recitativo - Dawn Upshaw/Krista Bennion Feeney/Linda Quan/Lois Martin/Myron Lutzke/John Feeney/Peggy Pearson...
Cantata BWV 199: Mein Herze Schwimmt Im Blut: Aria - Dawn Upshaw/Krista Bennion Feeney/Linda Quan/Lois Martin/Myron Lutzke/John Feeney/Peggy Pearson...
If Music Be The Food Of Love - Dawn Upshaw/Myron Lutzke/Arthur Haas
The Blessed Virgin's Expostulation - Dawn Upshaw/Myron Lutzke/Arthur Haas
An Evening Hymn - Dawn Upshaw/Myron Lutzke/Arthur Haas

Amazon.com

Soprano Dawn Upshaw's programs are always interesting, and this one's a beauty: one of Bach's most heartfelt cantatas flanked by songs and arias of Purcell. For the most part, she's in excellent voice, but with the tics that make some demur from enthusiasm: occasional swooping, thinning of the voice in the upper regions, lapses into a "Broadway" type of vocalism, and diction problems. The latter, oddly enough, are as present in Purcell's English as in Bach's German, as in the way Upshaw lands heavily on the r with a broad American accent rather than the lightly rolled r we're used to in performances of period English music. There's also some broad word-painting in the Bach, whose text, charting the soul's journey from sin to redemption, really needs no extra emoting. That said, Upshaw's fans will love this disc, and even those who prefer a different approach will enjoy it. Accompaniments are excellent: a continuo team in the Purcell, a small chamber group in the Bach. Outstanding sonics, too. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful, fervent Bach, but the Purcell songs are a bit prettified.......2006-08-24

Amazon's reviewer seems to have zoned out on how Dawn Upshaw pronounces words, missing most of the musical value here. Her singing of the Bach cantata, 'Mein Herze schwimmt in Blut,' is very moving. She is deeply involved, and her voice extracts the deep reverence and religious passion that makes this music so great. I'm not as convinced by the Purcell songs, however. Upshaw has chosen some of the most famous, and set against great singers like Battle, Baker, and Ferrier, her rendiitons seem a little shallow and prettified. She's considerably more tuned in to Bach, which is good enough to make this a memorable CD, if not her very best. Things would be much improved if the conducting by the (totally uncredited) conductor weren't so limp.

Now that the Sun hath veil'd his light............2001-08-04

Some say angels are God's messangers. When angels communicate, surely they sound like Dawn Upshaw. Upshaw's beautiful soprano voice rises to the stars and floats back again as she sings the beautiful collection of arias and cantatas by Purcell and Bach contained in ANGELS HIDE THEIR FACES.

Shaw's interpretation of Purcell's 'How sweet it is to love' reminds me of the elation I first felt on realizing love exists. 'Lord what is a man' brings one back to earth with a lamentation about human frailty and the finiteness of human existence. "Rejoice, rejoice" sings the angel in 'Hark! How all things' with lyrics from 'The Fairy Queen' -- a text by E. Settle after Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.'

Bach's cantatas fill the air as Upshaw sings arias in German (interpretations are provided in the text accompanying the CD). J.S. Bach's songs are clearly and beautifully articulated by Upshaw while in the backgound various wind and string instruments accompany her vocalizations. Many of Upshaw's vocalizations by Bach in German as well as the instrumentation (including viol consort) remind me of the arias from 'The Messiah' -- majestic albeit on a very human scale. For example, Aria #9 by Bach is comparable to "He shall lead his flock.." (although the latter was written for an alto voice).

The music in English by Purcell is a bit lighter. My favorite piece is 'An evening hymn' by Purcell which I would expect to hear near dusk in an English chapel. However, ANGELS HIDE THEIR FACES contains music you can play year round at any time of day.

Picky reviewers.......2001-05-31

I've got a degree in musicology ( and am fluent in German as well), and for a while after total immersion in graduate school, found my listening enjoyment frustrated by the same pickiness that hampers your reviewer. Fortunately, that passed, and I'm now able to simply appreciate Dawn Upshaw's performance of the music we hear all too seldom. I hope that others will be able to participate in Upshaw's interpretation of the poetry behind the music, to think about the theological role of angels (not just pretty faces and feathery wings), to love this wonderful recording. We are indeed blessed that technology allows us to experience such music, such an artist.

hark ! how well the lady sings.......2001-05-31

This is one of those little gems that becomes more appealing with each hearing. The Purcell pieces are sweet and lovely, but the Bach ! This Cantata is the glory of this CD. It's verses are of the deepest sorrow and repentance, woeful utterances for God's forgiveness, until the final aria, "How joyful is my heart since God is appeased". Dawn Upshaw's interpretation is beautiful. She captures the emotion, the longing, the spirituality and heart of the piece.

Tracks:

Dioclesian: Overture
Dioclesian: Preludio
Dioclesian: Song Tune: 'Let The Soldiers Rejoice'
Dioclesian: Trumpet Tune
Dioclesian: Country Dance
Dioclesian: Aire
Dioclesian: Hornpipe
Dioclesian: Aire
Dioclesian: Canaries
King Arthur: Overture
King Arthur: Aire
King Arthur: Aire
King Arthur: Song Tune: 'Fairest Isle'
King Arthur: Hornpipe
King Arthur: Aire
King Arthur: Song Tune: 'How Blest Are Shepherds'
King Arthur: Aire
King Arthur: Song Tune: 'Round Thy Coast'
King Arthur: Song Tune: 'Come, If You Dare'
King Arthur: Trumpet Tune
King Arthur: Trumpet Tune
King Arthur: Chacone
The Fairy Queen: Overture
The Fairy Queen: Hornpipe
The Fairy Queen: Aire
The Fairy Queen: Aire
The Fairy Queen: Rondeau
The Fairy Queen: Preludio
The Fairy Queen: Hornpipe
The Fairy Queen: Overture
The Fairy Queen: Song Tune: 'If Love's A Sweet Passion'
The Fairy Queen: Jigg
The Fairy Queen: Dance for Furies (Fairies)
The Fairy Queen: Aire 4 In 2 (Dance For The Followers Of Night)
The Fairy Queen: Song Tune: 'Sing While We Trip It'
The Fairy Queen: Aire
The Fairy Queen: Aire
The Fairy Queen: Song Tune: 'Thus Happy And Free'
The Fairy Queen: Chacone
The Fairy Queen: Aire
The Indian Queen: Overture
The Indian Queen: Trumpet Tune
The Indian Queen: Trumpet Tune
The Indian Queen: Aire
The Indian Queen: Hornpipe
The Indian Queen: Aire
The Indian Queen: Hornpipe
The Indian Queen: Aire
The Indian Queen: Song Tune: 'WeThe Spirits Of The Air'
The Indian Queen: Rondeau

Customer Reviews:

a beautiful CD.......2003-11-26

This CD has given me so much pleasure that it feels almost a duty to recommend it. This is exquisite music, subtly and sonorously played. Do buy it!

Average customer rating:

The Best Battle Album.
Ah, Kathleen!
The greatest of recital albums, part 2
The Magnificent Kathleen Battle Has Done It Again!!
The greatest of recital albums!

Kathleen Battle in Concert

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Sopranos | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Battle, Kathleen | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall
Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart
Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart
Kathleen Battle & Christopher Parkening ~ Pleasures of Their Company
Kathleen Battle - Bel Canto Arias

ASIN: B000001GNP
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

The Fairy Queen: Come All Ye Songsters
Oedipus: Music For A While
Pausanias: Sweeter Than Roses
Joshua: O Had I Jubal's Lyre
Bei der Wiege Op. 47 No. 6
Neue Liebe Op. 19a No. 4
Schlagende Herzen Op. 29 No. 2
Ich wollt' ein Strausslein binden Op. 68 No. 2
Sausle, liebe Myrte Op. 69 No. 3
Ridente la calma K. 152 (210a)
Das Veilchen K. 476
Un moto di gioia K. 579
Mandoline Op. 58 No. 1
Les Roses d'Ispahan Op. 39 No. 4
En Priere
Notre amour Op. 23 No. 2
Honor, Honor
His Name So Sweet
Witness
He's Got The Whole World In His Hand

Amazon.com

After years of being one of the foremost singers of light lyrics, Kathleen Battle, searching for challenging new musical expression, tackles the dramatic Mozart repertory. Blessed with one of our generation's prettiest soubrette voices, Battle breezes through the technical challenges of the Countess and Constanze, but sounds like a little girl trying on Mommy's shoes. She lacks the vocal variety and depth to successfully bring these pieces to life. Her renditions of the soubrette repertory, especially "Ruhe sanft," are Mozartfully graceful. In the Magic Flute excerpts she demonstrates that merely singing Mozart's written notes is enough to bring its beauty to life; practically all necessary expression is written into the musical lines. -- Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

The Best Battle Album........2007-02-10

I have most of Kathleen Battle's albums and must say this is my favorite. Her distinctive voice is crisp and sails effortlessly through the music, James Levine on the piano is fantastic and compliments her as if the two had been made for each other, the repitoire is expertly selected, and the recording is crystal clear. This is Battle in the prime of her career -- this is one of those albums you will find yourself coming back to.

Ah, Kathleen!.......2006-03-04

I have been looking to reacquire this album for forever!! It's great, and I love Kathleen's voice here.

I have to say, though, that the Amazon.com editorial review must have been written for another album, for neither 'Ruhe Sanft' nor anything from 'Die Zauberflote' is on this disc.

=^_^=

The greatest of recital albums, part 2.......2005-09-04

It's hard to simply repeat what someone else has written, but before I noticed the review above, I was going to say that this is the greatest vocal recital I've ever heard. It's a pleausre to be the second to voice that opinion.

Why is the editorial review about Mozart? Amazon nods.

The Magnificent Kathleen Battle Has Done It Again!!.......2002-03-04

Go Kathleen! I often dream of what music will sound like behind the Pearly Gates of Heaven-my dreams are no more, I have found what I've been searching for. Just push play and then be prepared for your body and soul to leave this earth behind. Believe me new and established fans-she IS that good.

From the first to the last track "La Battle" captivates and stuns her audience into a cult-like stupor. Indulge in Purcell's "Music for a While". After listening to a 30 second clip, I knew I needed this CD. She slowly and sensually lulls you with her perfected pronunciation. Her performance is like rich imported chocolate melting in your mouth. On Mendelssohn's "Neue Liebe" "La Battle" does an about face and speeds things up a bit. This tounge-twisting, finger-snapping performance is outstanding. Only a great opera Diva can handle such difficult piece of work, but as well all know, Kathleen never disappoints!

Kathleen masters Mozart's " Ridente la calma, Das Veilchen and Un moto di gioia". She paints such wonders with her voice that Monet must be rolling around in his grave. ;)
The 4 Spiritual at the end deserves only the utmost Praise. "Honor, Honor, His Name So Sweet, and Witness and He's Got the Whole World in His Hand". Check out her fantastically flawless super-HIGH notes! These songs are reason enough to get this CD.

I will forever be a Battle fan because of this recital. Thank you for making the Opera world a better place. We LOVE you Kathleen!

The greatest of recital albums!.......2002-01-16

Kathleen Battle In Concert has been a part of my classical listening experience for many, many years, and many, many repeated playings. Every time I play it, I feel real joy at hearing Kathleen Battle in the opening bars of Purcell's "Come All Ye Songsters."

Miss Battle brings a high level of musicality, an impeccable use of phrasing and some truly beatiful high notes to a wonderful mix of lighter art/love songs, and more serious, but very joyous gospel classics, as in her rendition of "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands."

Customer Reviews:

Fine reissue of a classic set.......2006-05-24

Think about the stupidest, most formulaic Hollywood movies you can think of: cheesy action pictures, fluffy, unfunny comedies, big but stiff epics. Now imagine that one of the greatest living composers was working in Hollywood, turning out astonishing, hauntingly beautiful and stirring musical scores for these throwaway movies. That's what you get with this set: music Henry Purcell composed for some two dozen often utterly forgettable plays (trust me--I've read a number of them!) Occasionally, when he teams up with a playwright worthy of his stature, such as John Dryden, Aphra Behn, or William Congreve, the results are even better, but for the most part you can enjoy the music here without knowing anything about the original plays.

This set originally appeared as separate LPs in the 70s and 80s, and has been long out of print. That's a pity, since Purcell spent a good deal of his short professional life in the theatre, either writing the incidental music contained on these CDs, or the music for his larger works, the semi-operas (King Arthur, The Fairy Queen, and the like). Almost all of these works are enjoyable gems; certainly, they represent a pinnacle of English 17th century music. Purcell had a genius for spinning musical gold out of the most leaden lyrics (check out his Odes and Welcome Songs on Hyperion if you don't believe me), and he does the same with the song texts in these plays.

Hogwood and the AAM offer clean, listenable performances, and the sound on these old analog discs has been cleaned up and brightened--although they were pretty good, even in the late 70s. As with most Hogwood, emotional extremes are kept to a minimum, so the "otherworldly" nature of late 17th century music, so often emphasised in more recent Baroque performances, doesn't come across here. It would be interesting to see what a group like The King's Consort would do with this music, but this set fills the major gap in the Purcell canon quite nicely.

My only beef with the reissue, as with many reissues, is that the liner notes are rather thin for a 6-cd set--the lyrics to the songs, for example, are especially missed. Still, it's a worthwhile set, and a must for fans of Purcell, English Baroque music, or anyone who just wants to experience a taste of the last days of the Restoration stage.

Average customer rating:

A Purcell Sampler, or a Greatest Hits disk, if you prefer.

The Glory of Purcell

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Odes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Tracks:

The Douple Dealer: Overture/Hornpipe - Academy of Ancient Music/Christopher Hogwood
Come Ye Sons of Art/Sound the Trumpet - Alfred Deller/John Whitworth/St Anthony Singers
The Old Bachlor: Rondeau/Menuet/Boree/March/Jig - Academy of Ancient Music/Chrostopher Hogwood
Birthday Song For Queen Mary: Crown the Altar, deck the Shrine - Emma Kirkby/Anthony Rooley
Oedious: Music for a while - James Bowman
Amphitryon: Hornpipe/Scotch Tune - Academy of Ancient Music/Christopher Hogwood
King Arthur: Fairest Isle - Catherine Bott/Paula Chateauneuf
Divine Andate, president of war... - James Bowman/Martyn Hill/Christopher Keyte/Taverner Choir/Parrott
The Fairy Queen: O, o let me weep - Emma Kirkby/Catherine Mackintosh/Anthony Rooley/Richard Campbell.
Son No.9 in F (Ten Sonatas in Four Parts) - Catherine Mackintosh/Monica Huggett/Christophe Coin/Christopher Hogwood
Dido and Aeneas: Thy hand, Belinda....When I am laid in earth... - Catherine Bott/Orch And Chorus of the Achedemy of Ancient Music/Christopher Hogwood
Abdelazer: Overture-Rondeau - Academy of Ancient Music/Christopher Hogwood
Bess of Bedlam - Emma Kirby/Anthony Rooley/Richard Campbell/Christopher Hogwood
The Married Beau: Trumpet Air-March-Hornpipe on a Ground - Academy of Ancient Music/Christopher Hogwood
Hear My Prayer, O Lord - Winchester Cathedral Choir/David Hill
Rejoice In The Lord Alway - Stephen Roberts/Christopher Robson/Winchester cathedral Choir/Brandenburg Consort/David Hill

Customer Reviews:

A Purcell Sampler, or a Greatest Hits disk, if you prefer........2006-02-05

This is a compilation disk of Greatest Hits, as it were, of Henry Purcell recorded by various artists from 1953 (the Alfred Deller track) through the 1970s through 1994. The point of the disk was part of the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the much to early death of this great composer and one of the great geniuses of music that England or Britain has ever produced. I have always been a devotee of his music and absolutely adore the way he set English. It is absolutely unique to him and so full of wonderful effects that create a greater whole than the music or words alone.

1995 was a year when we got to revel in everything Purcell. I was able to see a very delightful staging of "The Indian Queene" in London at the Barbican. It had narration, dancing, the singing, and wonderful playing. At the other portion of the concert, I enjoyed a performance of "Come, Ye Sons of Art" and other works by Hogwood et al. I was hoping to hear Kirkby, and she was billed. However, she was ill. Catherine Bott did a fine job as did John Bowman (both on this disk). Another counter-tenor I was so impressed with was Robin Blaze. I haven't heard much of him since, but he was terrific that night.

There are selections from his works for stage such as "King Arthur", "The Fairy Queen", Did and Aneas, and more. The disk also provides a selection of instrumental works, some sacred selections, and all the works are a delight. The track of "Come, Ye Sons of Art" is from 1953 and recorded by Alfred Deller. If you love the movement of historically informed performance, you do owe some debt to Deller. He was an early reviver of the counter-tenor voice and trying to create a style of performance that might be more appropriate and true to the music of earlier times. He helped bring about new interest in madricals, and other early music forms.

That Emma Kirkby sings on the disk is, of course, a delight for me. I have been captivated by her singing since I first heard her live in December 1980. We also get to delight in the singing of soprano Catherine Bott and counter-tenor John Bowman. All are led by the great Christopher Hogwood (except for the Deller track, obviously).

Sylvia McNair - The Echoing Air ~ The Music of Henry Purcell / AAM, Hogwood

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Wonderful Surprise
One of my favorite CDs

Sylvia McNair - The Echoing Air ~ The Music of Henry Purcell / AAM, Hogwood
Henry Purcell , The Academy of Ancient Music , Sylvia McNair , Christopher Hogwood , Laurence Dreyfus , and Paul O'Dette
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sylvia McNair: Love's Sweet Surrender (Mozart Arias)
Rêveries

ASIN: B0000041BF
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

Part I: Staircase: Overture
Part I: If Music Be The Food Of Love
Part I: Cebell
Part I: To Arms, To Arms, Heroic Prince
Part I: To Arms
Part I: Tell Me, Some Pitying Angel
Part I: Slow Air
Part II: We Come To Sing
Part II: Oh! Lead Me To Some Peaceful Gloom
Part II: O Solitude
Part II: Hark! Hark! The Echoing Air
Part II: Trumpet Tune
Part III: Sweeter Than Roses
Part III: Fairest Isle
Part III: She That Would Gain A Faithful Lover
Part III: Cupid, The Slyest Rogue Alive
Part III: I Attempt From Love's Sickness To Fly
Part III: Jig
Part IV: Music For A While
Part IV: The Fatal Hour Comes On Apace
Part IV: Hear, Mighty Love
Part IV: Plainte: O, Let Me Weep
Part IV: Chacony In G Minor

Amazon.com

The stars of this recording are Christopher Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music, entertaining us with rarely-heard instrumental pieces receiving their first modern performances with the endearing poignancy inherent in Purcell's music. McNair's gracile voice and accurate, easy-going coloratura capture the lyricism of Purcell's songs, but none of the subtext's vibrant passion. Emotional variety and vocal color are lacking when she repeatedly calls for Gabriel in "Tell Me, Some Pitying Angel." Still, McNair's light and pure soprano is enjoyable in small doses. When three or four plaintiff songs are programmed back to back, however, the monotony presents a fabulous opportunity to lull insomniacs back to sleep. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Surprise.......2006-01-01

Normally I run in the opposite direction of any baroque music - thought I had heard it all and had enough, but I love Slyvia McNair and I wanted to hear more of her recordings. This recording was such a wonderful surprise, not only interms of McNair's performance but interms of the overall presentation (organization of the pieces) and the energy of the performances by the AAM. I have new-found appreciation of Purcell's music!

One of my favorite CDs.......2003-01-12

When I listened to this CD, I fell in love with Sylvia McNair's artistic and beautiful voice along with Henry Purcell's music. This CD offers a style of music that I love to listen to and sing with. There is a mixture of instrumental only and vocal pieces. When I listen to this CD I feel like I have been transported to the late 1600s. The title "The Echoing Air" appropriately describes the beauty of this music.

Kathleen Battle & Jean-Pierre Rampal in Concert

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Kathleen Battle: The Best Soubrette/Lyric Coloratura Soprano
Sound Quality Warning
Real listening pleasure

Kathleen Battle & Jean-Pierre Rampal in Concert
George Frideric Handel , Henry Purcell , Jean-Philippe Rameau , Camille Saint-Saëns , Albert Roussel , Fernando J. Obradors , Bohuslav Martinu , Michael Head , Sir Henry Rowley Bishop , Kathleen Battle , and Jean-Pierre Rampal
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Battle, Kathleen | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

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Kathleen Battle · Wynton Marsalis ~ Baroque Duet / Anthony Newman · Orch St. Luke's · Nelson
Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall
Kathleen Battle - French Opera Arias / Chung
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The Bach Album

ASIN: B0000028U4
Release Date: 1993-11-02

Tracks:

Nel Dolce Dell'oblio
Sweet Bird
If Music Be The Food Of Love
There's Not A Swain
What Can We Poor Females Do?
Music For A While
Rossignols Amoureux
La Flute Invisible
Rossignol, Mon Mignon
Ciel, Aer, Et Vens
La Mi Sola, Laureola
Al Amor
Del Cabello Mas Sutil
Chiquitita La Novia
Sonata For Flute And Piano: I. Allegro moderato
Sonata For Flute And Piano: II. Adagio
Sonata For Flute And Piano: III. Allegro poco moderato
Bird-Song
Lo! Here The Gentle Lark

Amazon.com

Before Kathleen Battle became a diva of monstrous proportions, she was a musical talent of intelligence and delicacy. This recording reminds us of the charm and brilliance of her innate talent. Her light soubrette is an enchanting compliment to Rampal's magical flute, as they weave the musical fabrics of Handel, Rameau, Saint-Saens, and Bishop. A shining example of excellent musical camaraderie is given by accompanists Garrett, Newman, and Ritter. Battle's voice and temperament are a lovely fit for Purcell's docile melancholy. The listener is also granted such juicy treats as two pieces by Albert Roussel and four delectable Catalonian morsels by Fernando J. Obradors. Sheer beauty. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

Kathleen Battle: The Best Soubrette/Lyric Coloratura Soprano.......2004-05-06

I got this CD as a replacement of a damaged CD of Cecilia Bartoli's latest release "The Salieri Album". Even though Cecilia Bartoli's coloratura mezzo soprano is somewhat overbearing, it can never compare, or outdo Kathleen Battle's Soprano, which is hailed as from 1985's Time magazine "The best Lyric Coloratura in the world", and it shows in this recording. Handel's Sweet Bird is an example: excellent vibrato rolling, almost bird-like, and the coloratura in that piece is magnificent. I really got it for the Spanish art songs, and her Spanish is just as good as her perfect German. But the last selection "Lo! Here the Gentle Lark", is the shining piece. The coloratura, the High notes (I think that those are High E's that she's always known for) are just up there. I wish for her to release another recital/concert CD.

Sound Quality Warning.......2000-10-26

I am a Battle fan. That being said, I think it fair to warn those listeners who are accustomed to high quality recording, that the sound on this cd is disappointing. High notes are somewhat shrill, and the overall recording sounds muffled. And for those of us who dont particularly relish live recording, the not too infrequent coughs, dings and asstd sounds from the audience are distracting.

Real listening pleasure.......2000-03-22

I do not have a large classical/opera collection. This recording is one that I have had for about four years. It remains for me an uplifting experience. Ms. Battle and Mr. Rampal are magical together. The accompanists provide support beautifully. The stars, however, are the real deal--a mix of voice and instrument that is light and transcendant. One really gets a sense of being part of the audience at Lincoln Center that day. Tremendously enjoyable.

Average customer rating:

Purcell: Complete Ayres for the Theatre

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Liszt Transcriptions of Berlioz, Chopin, Saint-Saëns
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Liszt: Bunte Reihe, S. 484
Liszt at the Opera II
Liszt: Rapsodie espagnole, and Other Pieces on Spanish Themes

ASIN: B00000300A
Release Date: 1995-08-22

Tracks:

Music In 'The Prophetess; Or, The History Of Dioclesian' Z627: Overture
Music In 'The Prophetess; Or, The History Of Dioclesian' Z627: Preludio
Music In 'The Prophetess; Or, The History Of Dioclesian' Z627: Song Tune (Let The Soldiers Rejoice)
Music In 'The Prophetess; Or, The History Of Dioclesian' Z627: Trumpet Tune
Music In 'The Prophetess; Or, The History Of Dioclesian' Z627: Country Dance
Music In 'The Prophetess; Or, The History Of Dioclesian' Z627: Air
Music In 'The Prophetess; Or, The History Of Dioclesian' Z627: Hornpipe
Music In 'The Prophetess; Or, The History Of Dioclesian' Z627: Air (Trumpet Tune)
Music In 'The Prophetess; Or, The History Of Dioclesian' Z627: Canaries
Music In 'King Arthur; Or, The British Worthy' Z628: Overture
Music In 'King Arthur; Or, The British Worthy' Z628: Air
Music In 'King Arthur; Or, The British Worthy' Z628: Air
Music In 'King Arthur; Or, The British Worthy' Z628: Song Tune (Fairest Isle)
Music In 'King Arthur; Or, The British Worthy' Z628: Hornpipe
Music In 'King Arthur; Or, The British Worthy' Z628: Hornpipe (Come, Shepherds)
Music In 'King Arthur; Or, The British Worthy' Z628: Song Tune (How Blest Are Shepherds)
Music In 'King Arthur; Or, The British Worthy' Z628: Air
Music In 'King Arthur; Or, The British Worthy' Z628: Song Tune (Round Thy Coasts)
Music In 'King Arthur; Or, The British Worthy' Z628: Song Tune (Come If You Dare)
Music In 'King Arthur; Or, The British Worthy' Z628: Trumpet Tune
Music In 'King Arthur; Or, The British Worthy' Z628: Trumpet Tune
Music In 'King Arthur; Or, The British Worthy' Z628: Chaconne
Music In 'The Fairy Queen' Z629: Overture
Music In 'The Fairy Queen' Z629: Hornpipe
Music In 'The Fairy Queen' Z629: Air
Music In 'The Fairy Queen' Z629: Air
Music In 'The Fairy Queen' Z629: Rondeau
Music In 'The Fairy Queen' Z629: Preludio
Music In 'The Fairy Queen' Z629: Hornpipe
Music In 'The Fairy Queen' Z629: Overture (Symphony While The Swans Come Forward)
Music In 'The Fairy Queen' Z629: Song Tune (If Love's A Sweet Passion)
Music In 'The Fairy Queen' Z629: Jig
Music In 'The Fairy Queen' Z629: Dance For The Fairies
Air 4 In 2 (Dance For The Followers Of Night)
Music In 'The Fairy Queen' Z629: Song Tune (Sing While We Trip It)
Music In 'The Fairy Queen' Z629: Air
Music In 'The Fairy Queen' Z629: Air
Music In 'The Fairy Queen' Z629: Song Tune (Thus Happy And Free)
Music In 'The Fairy Queen' Z629: Chaconne (Dance For The Chinese Man And Woman)
Music In 'The Fairy Queen' Z629: Air
Music In 'The Indian Queen' Z630: Overture
Music In 'The Indian Queen' Z630: Trumpet Tune
Music In 'The Indian Queen' Z630: Trumpet Tune (I Come To Sing Great Zempoalla's Story)
Music In 'The Indian Queen' Z630: Air - Air
Music In 'The Indian Queen' Z630: Hornpipe
Music In 'The Indian Queen' Z630: Air - Air
Music In 'The Indian Queen' Z630: Hornpipe
Music In 'The Indian Queen' Z630: Air - Air
Music In 'The Indian Queen' Z630: Song Tune (We The Spirits Of The Air)
Music In 'The Indian Queen' Z630: Rondeau

Tracks:

Music In 'The Married Beau; Or, The Curious Empertinent' Z603: Overture
Music In 'The Married Beau; Or, The Curious Empertinent' Z603: Slow Air
Music In 'The Married Beau; Or, The Curious Empertinent' Z603: Hornpipe
Music In 'The Married Beau; Or, The Curious Empertinent' Z603: Air
Music In 'The Married Beau; Or, The Curious Empertinent' Z603: Hornpipe
Music In 'The Married Beau; Or, The Curious Empertinent' Z603: Jig
Music In 'The Married Beau; Or, The Curious Empertinent' Z603: Trumpet Air
Music In 'The Married Beau; Or, The Curious Empertinent' Z603: March
Music In 'The Married Beau; Or, The Curious Empertinent' Z603: Hornpipe On A Ground
Music In 'The Old Bachelor' Z607: Overture
Music In 'The Old Bachelor' Z607: Hornpipe
Music In 'The Old Bachelor' Z607: Slow Air
Music In 'The Old Bachelor' Z607: Hornpipe
Music In 'The Old Bachelor' Z607: Rondeau
Music In 'The Old Bachelor' Z607: Minuet
Music In 'The Old Bachelor' Z607: Borry
Music In 'The Old Bachelor' Z607: March
Music In 'The Old Bachelor' Z607: Jig
Music In 'Amphitryon; Or, The Two Sosias' Z572: Overture
Music In 'Amphitryon; Or, The Two Sosias' Z572: Saraband
Music In 'Amphitryon; Or, The Two Sosias' Z572: Hornpipe
Music In 'Amphitryon; Or, The Two Sosias' Z572: Scotch Tune
Music In 'Amphitryon; Or, The Two Sosias' Z572: Air
Music In 'Amphitryon; Or, The Two Sosias' Z572: Minuet
Music In 'Amphitryon; Or, The Two Sosias' Z572: Hornpipe
Music In 'Amphitryon; Or, The Two Sosias' Z572: Borry (Or Gavotte)
Music In 'The Double Dealer' Z592: Overture
Music In 'The Double Dealer' Z592: Hornpipe
Music In 'The Double Dealer' Z592: Minuet
Music In 'The Double Dealer' Z592: Air
Music In 'The Double Dealer' Z592: Hornpipe
Music In 'The Double Dealer' Z592: Minuet (Slow Air)
Music In 'The Double Dealer' Z592: Minuet
Music In 'The Double Dealer' Z592: Air
Music In 'The Double Dealer' Z592: Air
Music In 'Distressed Innocence; Or, The Princess Of Persia' Z577: Overture
Music In 'Distressed Innocence; Or, The Princess Of Persia' Z577: Air
Music In 'Distressed Innocence; Or, The Princess Of Persia' Z577: Slow Air
Music In 'Distressed Innocence; Or, The Princess Of Persia' Z577: Air
Music In 'Distressed Innocence; Or, The Princess Of Persia' Z577: Hornpipe (Or Jig)
Music In 'Distressed Innocence; Or, The Princess Of Persia' Z577: Rondeau
Music In 'Distressed Innocence; Or, The Princess Of Persia' Z577: Air
Music In 'Distressed Innocence; Or, The Princess Of Persia' Z577: Minuet
Music In 'The Gordian Knot Untied' Z597: Overture
Music In 'The Gordian Knot Untied' Z597: Air - Air
Music In 'The Gordian Knot Untied' Z597: Rondeau Minuet
Music In 'The Gordian Knot Untied' Z597: Air - Air
Music In 'The Gordian Knot Untied' Z597: Jig (Lilliburlero)
Music In 'The Gordian Knot Untied' Z597: Chaconne
Music In 'The Gordian Knot Untied' Z597: Air - Air
Music In 'The Gordian Knot Untied' Z597: Minuet

Tracks:

Music In 'Abdelazer; Or, The Moor's Revenge' Z570: Overture
Music In 'Abdelazer; Or, The Moor's Revenge' Z570: Rondeau (Hornpipe)
Music In 'Abdelazer; Or, The Moor's Revenge' Z570: Air
Music In 'Abdelazer; Or, The Moor's Revenge' Z570: Air
Music In 'Abdelazer; Or, The Moor's Revenge' Z570: Minuet
Music In 'Abdelazer; Or, The Moor's Revenge' Z570: Air
Music In 'Abdelazer; Or, The Moor's Revenge' Z570: Jig
Music In 'Abdelazer; Or, The Moor's Revenge' Z570: Hornpipe
Music In 'Abdelazer; Or, The Moor's Revenge' Z570: Air
Music In 'Bonduca; Or, The British Heroine' Z574: Overture
Music In 'Bonduca; Or, The British Heroine' Z574: Song Tune (Britons, Strike Home)
Music In 'Bonduca; Or, The British Heroine' Z574: Song Tune (To Arms, To Arms)
Music In 'Bonduca; Or, The British Heroine' Z574: Air
Music In 'Bonduca; Or, The British Heroine' Z574: Hornpipe
Music In 'Bonduca; Or, The British Heroine' Z574: Air
Music In 'Bonduca; Or, The British Heroine' Z574: Hornpipe
Music In 'Bonduca; Or, The British Heroine' Z574: Air
Music In 'Bonduca; Or, The British Heroine' Z574: Minuet
Music In 'The Virtuous Wife; Or, Good Luck At Last' Z611: Overture
Music In 'The Virtuous Wife; Or, Good Luck At Last' Z611: Song Tune (Ah, How Sweet It Is To Love)
Music In 'The Virtuous Wife; Or, Good Luck At Last' Z611: Slow Air
Music In 'The Virtuous Wife; Or, Good Luck At Last' Z611: Air
Music In 'The Virtuous Wife; Or, Good Luck At Last' Z611: Preludio
Music In 'The Virtuous Wife; Or, Good Luck At Last' Z611: Hornpipe
Music In 'The Virtuous Wife; Or, Good Luck At Last' Z611: Minuet
Music In 'The Virtuous Wife; Or, Good Luck At Last' Z611: Minuet
Music In 'The Virtuous Wife; Or, Good Luck At Last' Z611: Air
Sonata While The Sun Rises In The Fairy Queen' (Act IV) Z629/27: (Allegro)
Sonata While The Sun Rises In The Fairy Queen' (Act IV) Z629/27: Canzona
Sonata While The Sun Rises In The Fairy Queen' (Act IV) Z629/27: (Adagio)
Sonata While The Sun Rises In The Fairy Queen' (Act IV) Z629/27: (Allegro) - (Adagio) - (Allegro)
Overture In G Minor Z631/1
Overture To 'Sir Anthony Love; Or, The Rambling Lady' Z588/1
Music In 'Timon Of Athens, The Man-Hater' Z632/1: Overture
Music In 'Timon Of Athens, The Man-Hater' Z632/1: Curtain Tune On A Ground
Symphony In 'The Indian Queen' (Act III) Z630/16

Amazon.com

The great bulk of Purcell's output consists of what used to be called "incidental" or "theater" music, and what now would be film scores. He wrote songs, dances, and "action" music for scores of Restoration plays and "semi- operas" (spoken plays alternating with operatic scenes and interludes). After his death, the best of the instrumental numbers from many of these scores were gathered together and published in this collection. There is an abundance of tuneful and catchy music here, including the famous melody that Britten used as the basis for The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra. The performances are also fine, which is a good thing because, surprisingly, this set is the only show in town. --David Hurwitz