Purcell: Sweeter Than Roses

On this CD:

1. The fatal hour comes on apace, song, Z. 421
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

2. Love, thou canst hear, tho' thou art blind, song, Z. 396
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

3. Sylvia, now your scorn give over, song, Z. 420
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

4. No, to what purpose should I speak, song, Z. 468
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

5. Hornpipe for harpsichord in D minor ("Round O" from "Abdelazar" Z. 570/2), ZT684
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

6. Work(s)
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

7. If music be the food of love, song, Z. 379 (3 settings)
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

8. Let formal lovers still pursue, song, Z. 391
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

9. Sweeter than roses (from "Pausanius"), song, Z. 585/1
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

10. I came, I saw, and was undone, song, Z. 375
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

11. Let each gallant heart, song, Z. 390
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

12. Ah! cruel nymph! you give despair for soprano & continuo, Z. 352
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

13. Suites for harpsichord, No. 4 in A minor (from "A Choice Collection of Lessons"), Z. 663
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by John O'Donnell

14. Incassum, Lesbia, incassum rogas (The Queen Epicedium), song, Z 383
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

15. If grief has any pow'r to kill, song, Z. 378
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

16. Let the night perish (Job's Curse), sacred song for soprano, chorus & continuo, Z. 191
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

17. O solitude, my sweetest choice, song, Z. 406
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

18. A New Ground (from "Welcome to All the Pleasures"), for harpsichord in E minor, ZT682
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

19. If prayers and tears, song, Z. 380
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

20. Fly swift, ye hours, song, Z. 369
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

21. I lov'd fair Celia, song, Z. 381
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

22. Urge me no more, song, Z. 426
Composed by Henry Purcell
Performed by Gerald English, John O'Donnell

Purcell: Sweeter Than Roses, Music, Henry Purcell, John O'Donnell, Gerald English, Art Song (General), Chamber Music & Recitals, Choral, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Ground For Keyboard, Hornpipe For Keyboard, Keyboard, Miscellaneous, Miscellaneous Music, Sacred Music for Soloist, Chorus and Instruments, Suite/Partita for Keyboard, Vocal

Purcell: Songs & Airs / Argenta, North, Boothby, Nicholson, Toll
Average customer rating:

Nice Collection

PERFECT!

Great singing and excellent value for money

More than two hours of beautiful 17th century 'ayres'

Purcell: Songs & Airs / Argenta, North, Boothby, Nicholson, Toll
Henry Purcell , Nancy Argenta , and Nigel North
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Odes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Essential Purcell

Purcell: The Fairy Queen

Purcell: Odes for St. Cecilia's Day - Music for Queen Mary / Taverner Consort

English and Italian Renaissance Madrigals

Gabrieli · Monteverdi · Vivaldi - Venetian Church Music / Taverner Consort, Choir & Players · Andrew Parrott

ASIN: B000059LOH
Release Date: 2001-06-05

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.

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan
Outstandingly beautiful- a great legend in our time
Follow the Leider...For He Is David Daniels
Countertenors: They're not just for Baroque Anymore!
Beyond Gimmick

David Daniels - Serenade
Christoph Willibald Gluck , Antonio Caldara , Antonio Cesti , Franz Schubert , Ludwig van Beethoven , Antonio Lotti , Charles Gounod , Ralph Vaughan Williams , Francis Poulenc , Henry Purcell , David Daniels , and Martin Katz
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Handel: Opera Arias; David Daniels
Sento Amor; David Daniels;
A Quiet Thing; David Daniels & Craig Ogden
Berlioz: Les Nuits d'Été
Handel: Oratorio Arias

ASIN: B00004SRG1
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

Adelaide Op.46
Der Tod Und Das Madchen D531
Auf Dem Wasser Zu Singen D774
Nacht Und Traume D827
Adelaide D95
Selve Amiche, Ombrose Piante
O Del Mio Dolce Ardor
Intorno All'idol Mio
Pur Dicesti, O Bocca Bella
L'Absent
Ou Voulez-Vous Aller?
Absence
Ser
Orpheus With His Lute
Linden Lea
Hands, Eyes And Heart
C'est Ainsi Que Tu Es FP 121 (Metamorphoses No.2)
Priez Pour Paix FP 95
La Belle Jeunesse FP 42 (Chansons Gaillardes No.7)
Sweeter Than Roses
I'll Sail Upon The Dog Star
Evening Hymn

Amazon.com's Best of 2000

It's a truism by now that countertenors have made a notable comeback in our time, but David Daniels--Amazon.com's Opera & Vocal Artist of 2000--isn't about to rest on his laurels. As if his recent successes weren't enough to set him apart, on this recital album Daniels forays beyond the countertenor's stereotypical domain of the baroque to interpret lieder of Beethoven and Schubert, as well as French mélodies and Vaughan Williams. A stunningly beautiful disc. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-05-30

The German and French art-song developed in parallel,but although they shared the same creative process based on the two key elements of words and music, they are distinct one from the other in their aim. Beethoven was one of the first to usher in the 'Leid'. Between 1795 and 1796 he drew inspiration from Friedich von Matthisson for his cantata 'Adelaide'. In 1814 Schubert set the same poem for his own 'Adelaide'. More than three-quarters of Schubert's songs are nature pictures as is 'Auf dem Wasser zu singen' on this disc. Other composers included on this recording are:Caldara-Gluck-Cesti-Lotte-Gounod-VaughanWilliams-Poulenc and Purcell.This disc absolutely delighted me. I can think of only one other countertenor who could have "pulled off" the variety of songs Daniels performs on this album. Most of them are quite well-known at least to singers and actually could be considered trite but not the way David Daniels sings them. He is so skillful with strong tone production when needed and always perfect diction. I marvel at the way he can implement the highly dramatic Italian aria and then sing the light "wispy" French songs. My personal favorites are "Adelaide" by Schubert. "Ou voulez-vous aller?" by Gounod and "I'll Sail Upon the DogStar by Purcell. In fact, if you are a Daniel's fan you MUST hear the Dog Star!!!!!

Outstandingly beautiful- a great legend in our time.......2005-06-22

This is a truly unique voice. David Daniels has an opulent timbre which he uses here to achieve sheer excellence. As much as I hate for his career to be upstaged by anything, knowing that he was tutored by Marilyn Horne seems to establish her vocal qualities as a suitable metaphor. It's that rich, opulent tone and secure vibrato that you don't get with some mezzos, let alone countertenors. No thin-ness here; no `hoot' and nothing shrill. He still has control though, and produces clean, even tones where appropriate. Think of the dramatic requirements of `Der Tod und das Madchen' and the celestial purity of `Absence' or `Ser'- he more than merely achieves the standards, he surpassed them and has set his own seal of distinction.

The choice of songs/arias is itself brilliant and Mr. Daniels' technique needs high praise. As a very minor observation, his diction, though good, doesn't come across as completely idiomatic. This is a VERY minor issue though. The pianist, Martin Katz is very responsive to the style of singing. Mr. Daniels' ability to sustain a phrase with grace and beauty is matched by Mr. Katz's sensitive touch and timing.

In parting, I recommend the ethereal experience of `Orpheus with his lute' (my favourite). The words, a Shakespearean sonnet, are of a straightforward beauty and the melody is from another realm but the singing? Mr. Daniels vocal control and phrasing are exquisite and his tone is sublime. Close your eyes and listen to this one quiet evening. "In sweet music is such art, killing care and grief of heart. Fall asleep, or hearing die." A lute and a song- a simple combination; yet profoundly moving beyond the raging elements. Thank you David.

Follow the Leider...For He Is David Daniels.......2004-08-18

Countertenor David Daniels takes a breather from his beloved Handel arias this time around for a recording of sheer beauty and most often tranquility, all the more surprising given the wide variety of tempos and international breadth of the program spanning five centuries. German leider from Beethoven and Schubert sits alongside Italian baroque songs followed by alternating French and English art songs. The 22 selections, once again reflecting his consummate musical taste, require him to sing in four different languages, and this South Carolina-born and -bred singer handles the daunting task with complete ease.

The result is a seamless recital, and the disc flows like an unfolding dream starting with Beethoven's enchanting "Adelaide". Schubert's "Naucht and Traume" highlights the purity of his tone and is as perfectly performed as any of his most moving opera arias. The Gounod pieces, especially "L'Absent" and the title track, have a sonorous quality that feel very much like lullabies, the sole exception being the lively "Ou voulez-vous aller?". Poulenc's "La belle Jeunesse" continues along this vein, a whirling dervish of a number referred in the accompanying booklet as an "invitation to debauchery". But these tracks are more the exception as Daniels achieves a lovely sense of vocal beatitude throughout.

The standout tracks have to be the three beautiful and somewhat more contemporary-sounding Vaughan Williams songs capped off by "Hands, eyes and heart", short and poignant, it is my favorite moment on this recording. The Renaissance-era Purcell selections provide the appropriate ending though, in particular, "Evening Hymn" sparked by the growing melismas on the hallelujahs. Whether he exhibits an astounding vibrato or the purest of tones, the man knows how to use his incredibly flexible voice and apply it intelligently to each song. Martin Katz accompanies with great precision and completely recognizes the individual style each song requires. It makes for a perfect pairing between singer and piano. This is a recording to treasure.

Countertenors: They're not just for Baroque Anymore!.......2004-03-23

OK, so it's a bad pun. Shoot me.

But get this wonderful disc! Daniels talent is well-served by this varied program.. he goes beyond Handel to sing Beethoven, Gounoud, Vaughan-Williams.

Don't just buy this for the novelty of countertenor singing: the singing would be 5 star had any mezzo (Bartoli, van Otter) sung with this sensitivity. It's superb in every regard.

Beyond Gimmick.......2002-08-01

At first it seems odd...countertenors are supposed to stay within certain boundaries. We let them have Baroque music, and even Gluck, and of course we let them have 20th century things written specifically for them, especially Britten. But to hear a countertenor singing Schubert, Beethoven or French melodies goes against our expectations. So we think, this must be a gimmick. But then Daniels voice takes over and such questions disappear.

Daniels sings this music as if it was inteneded for the countertenor. His sensitivity to the intimate marriage of text and music is phenomenal and his tone is always light and lyrical. I prefer this to many overblown sopranos that I've heard. Daniels weaves a spell that few singers of any voice type can match.

The Gounod is particularly beautiful. I had not been familiar with Gounod's art song before, and I've been missing something. L'Absent brought tears to my eyes just as the best Melodie of Duparc or Faure. And he sings Schubert as if he was born to it.

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."

Tracks:

Four Songs From Gypsy Melodies, Op.55: My Song Resounds
Four Songs From Gypsy Melodies, Op.55: Yon Lies The Moon
Four Songs From Gypsy Melodies, Op.55: Dark In Flowing Linen
Four Songs From Gypsy Melodies, Op.55: Soaring Ever Upward
Sweeter Than Roses
There's Not A Swain Of The Plain
Not All My Torments
Man Is For The Woman Made
Three Songs From Winterreise, Op.89: Der Lindenbaum (No.5)
Three Songs From Winterreise, Op.89: Wasserflut (No.6)
Three Songs From Winterreise, Op.89: Auf Dem Flusse (No.7)
Tristan Und Isolde: O Sink' Hernieder, Nacht Der Liebe
Pagliacci: Recitar!... Vesti La Giubba
Pagliacci: No, Pagliaccio Non Son! (To End Of Opera)
Enoch Arden: Long Lines Of Cliff Breaking Have Left A Chasm

Tracks:

Jon Vickers In Conversation With Jon Tolansky

Average customer rating:

The Art of Arleen Augér

Manufacturer: Koch Int'l Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

American Soprano
Arleen Auger - Handel · Bach Arias / The Mostly Mozart Orchestra · Gerard Schwarz
Haydn - Arias & Cantatas / Auger · H&H · Hogwood
Arleen Auger - Love Songs / Dalton Baldwin

ASIN: B000001SHD
Release Date: 1994-05-25

Tracks:

Sonnets From The Portuguese: I Thought Once How Theocritus Had Sung
Sonnets From The Portuguese: My Letters!
Sonnets From The Portuguese: With The Same Heart, I Said, I'll Answer Thee
Sonnets From The Portuguese: If I Leave All For Thee
Sonnets From The Portuguese: Oh, Yes!
Sonnets From The Portuguese: How Do I Love Thee?
Three Songs: If Music Be The Food Of Love
Three Songs: Nymphs And Shepherds
Three Songs: Sweeter Than Roses
Five Songs: Widmung
Five Songs: Lied der Braut I
Five Songs: Lied der Braut II
Five Songs: Die Soldatenbraut
Five Songs: Der Nussbaum
Five Songs: Das Velichen
Dans un bois solitaire
Five Songs: Trennugsleid
Five Songs: Als Luise die briefe ungetrene liebhabers verbrannte
Five Songs: Abendempfindung

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

Average customer rating:

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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.

Average customer rating:

Sweeter Than Roses

Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Purcell: Full Anthems & Organ Music
Essential Purcell

ASIN: B000050AQD
Release Date: 2005-05-24

Tracks:

Abdelazer: Overture - Rondeau
Music For A While
Sweeter Than Roses
Old Bachelor
Chaconne In G Minor
If Music Be The Food Of Love
Libertine
An Evening Hymn
Fairy Queen
Fairest Isle
Amphitryon
When I Am Laid In Earth
Abdelazer: Air - Jig - Hornopipe
Birthday Song For Queen Mary
Married Beau
I Was Glad

Album Details

A Beautiful Collection of Purcell Favourites, Both from Recent Times with Artists of the Calibre of Emma Kirkby and Christopher Hogwood, to Such Purcell Champions of the Mid-20th Century as Benjamin Britten, Whose Rousing Arrangement and Performance of the Chaconne in G Minor is Here Included.

Average customer rating:

Britten Recital

Manufacturer: Etcetera
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000000OS
Release Date: 1994-04-13

Tracks:

Alleluia
Sweeter Than Roses
The Queen's Epicedium
Tit For Tat: I. A Song Of Enchantment
Tit For Tat: II. Autumn
Tit For Tat: III. Silver
Tit For Tat: IV. Vigil
Tit For Tat: V. Tit For Tat
Three Divine Hymns: I. Lord, What Is Man?
Three Divine Hymns: II. We Sing To Him
Three Divine Hymns: III. Evening Hymn
Friday Afternoons, Op.7: Fishing Song (No.8)
Friday Afternoons, Op.7: A New Year Carol (No.5)
There's None To Soothe
Little Sir William
O Waly Waly

Average customer rating:

Purcell: Theatre Music

Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Tracks:

The Fairy Queen; 'A Mid Summers Night Dream': Entry of Phoebus (Act 4)
The Fairy Queen; 'A Mid Summers Night Dream': Sym (Act 4)
The Fairy Queen; 'A Mid Summers Night Dream': Dance for the Haymakers (Act 3)
The Fairy Queen; 'A Mid Summers Night Dream': First Music
The Fairy Queen; 'A Mid Summers Night Dream': Dance for the Fairies (Act 3)
The Fairy Queen; 'A Mid Summers Night Dream': Sym (Act 5)
The Fairy Queen; 'A Mid Summers Night Dream': Song of the Night (act 2)
The Fairy Queen; 'A Mid Summers Night Dream': Prld (Act 2)
The Fairy Queen; 'A Mid Summers Night Dream': Second Music: Rondeau
The Fairy Queen; 'A Mid Summers Night Dream': First Act Tune
The Indian Queen: Trumpet Tune (Act 2)
The Indian Queen: Faurth Act Tune
The Indian Queen: Song: 'I attempt from love's sickness to fly in vain'
The Indian Queen: Sym (Act 2)
The Indian Queen: First Music
The Indian Queen: Sym (Act 3)
The Indian Queen: Air (Act 5)
King Aurthur: Trumpet Tune (Act 5)
King Aurthur: Second Music: Air
King Aurthur: Sym
King Aurthur: Passacaglia
King Aurthur: Aria of Venus: 'Fairest Isle, all isles excelling'
King Aurthur: Second Act Tune: Hornpipe
Bonduca: Ov
The Old Bachelor: Bourree
Abdelazar: Rondeau
Bonduca: Air
Pausanias: Air of Pandora: 'Sweeter than roses or cool evening breeze'
The Married Beau: Jig
Distressed Innocence: Air
Amphitryon: Sarabande
The Double Dealer: Air
Dido and Aeneas: Overture (Act I) - English CO/barbirolli
Dido and Aeneas: Shake the Cloud - Heather Harper/Ambrosian Singers/Sir John Barbirolli
Dido and Aeneas: Ah! Ah! Belinda - Victoria de los Angeles/Ambrosian Singers/Sir John Barbirolli
Dido and Aeneas: When monarchs unite - Victoria de los Angeles/Heather Harper
Dido and Aeneas: But ere we this perform - Victoria de los Angeles/Heather Harper/Elizabeth Robson/Sibyl Michelow/Colin Tinley/Derek Simpson
Dido and Aeneas: But death, alas! Icannot shun...When I am laid in earth - Victoria De Los Angeles
Dido and Aeneas: With drooping wings - Ambrosian Singers/Sir John Barbirolli

Average customer rating:

Ultimate purcell songs !!
Deller's final offering
A few points...
A bit past his best?
Unique Deller

Henry Purcell: Music For A While

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000027NRW
Release Date: 1992-10-16

Tracks:

The Plaint - Alfred Deller/Wieland Kuijken/William Christie/Roderick Skeaping
If Music Be The Food Of Love
I Attempt From Love's Sickness
Fairest Isle
Sweeter Than Roses
Not All My Torments
Thrice Happy Lovers
An Evening Hymn
From Rosy Bow'rs
O Lead Me To Some Peaceful Gloom
Retired From Any Mortal's Sight
Music For A While
Since From My Dear Astrea's Sight
O Solitude - Alfred Deller/Wieland Kuijken/William Christie/Robert Elliot/Jane Ryan

Customer Reviews:

Ultimate purcell songs !!.......2005-12-21

Henry Purcell is one of the most tragical musical figures inbaroque ages.died a young talent who had wrote the most moving beautiful tragedy operas.what I find particularly attractive about his music and operas is the affinity to English literature which is extremely dramatic.

Purcells songs are tended to be recitativelike and in my personal opinion that at best should be enriched with emotional spontanety.Mr Deller bring a Purcells songs at its best.especially his voice: refined,full of emotion and spontanety that combine into brilliant dramatic impersonation of Purcellian figures of tragidies,plays and passion.if there are something to complaint about,that is it sounds too naked too natural that I can hardly restrain my tears.here Mr Deller does either act and sing.a Celestial fest of songs!

As long as there are Stars I would not mind paint all of them with my crayon for this singer and these songs.

Deller's final offering.......2005-04-25

This recording has moved me beyond words.

Certainly, Deller's voice has aged but he more than makes up in experience. His voice is still voluptuous, and its languid tones have nothing to envy the voice of a soprano.

While a few of the songs will be listened to with a distracted ear, other won't. For instance "The Plaint", which probably the most stunning song of this recital. The tempo is just right (which is rare for this piece, often overly slowed down), and Deller does not overdramatize the already sad text. "O Solitude" and "An Evening Hymn" (along with the title song) are the other two gems ... "An Evening Hymn" with it's beautiful ostinato, and light singing.

Something must be said for the other performers. While Deller's voice is the heart and soul of this recording, its quality is in no small part due to (younger) William Christie and Wieland Kuijken. I listened recently to Anne Sofie von Otter's renditions of "Music for a while" and "An Evening Hymn", and although her voice is clear, the tempi are wrong and the incompetence of the harpsichordist makes Christie's performance stand out all the more.

If you aren't prejudiced against counter-tenors (and if you haven't yet entered the Visse/Deller or Jacobs/Deller polemic-which I will *NOT* get sucked into), you will find be entranced by this recording.

A few points..........2001-05-11

First I should like to point out that Deller's role in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was that of Oberon rather than Puck. Secondly, a much more serious point, is that the idea of natural tenors making better countertenors is something of a myth. It is almost totally to do with the ability to produce a pleasant-sounding headtone, something which high natural tenors do as part of their normal singing. There is something of a blur between falsetto and head voice, admittedly, and it is the case that the physical process is very similar indeed. So I am of the opinion that there was nothing more unnatural about Deller singing countertenor than there is about Visse. And I think the results speak for themselves. Instead of the... sound produced by Visse, and David James for that matter, Deller's purity of tone still places him ahead of many other countertenors active today. That said, this recording does appear to be a late one and .... Still an interesting recording though, showing that musicality can often triumph over rather dull "authenticity".

A bit past his best?.......2001-05-11

While I agree that Dominique Visse and David James (hardly the 2 outstanding countertenors of our age anyway) cannot come close to the artistry and voice of Alfred Deller, I do think that this recording leaves a little to be desired as it appears to have been made not long before he died, therefore when he was in his sixties when most singers should have given up, Deller included I'm afraid. The agility in the upper registers, the sheer brilliance of tone, both are somewhat lacking, and often the result sounds slightly strained. I would probably recommend going for the HMV recordings, as these would show Deller right at the peak of his powers, although this recording would be a good comparison of his early and late singing, and changes in performance practice.

Unique Deller.......2000-07-25

I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the previous review. Is is just astonishing that the mediocre Visse can even be compared to the great Deller. It is not that he himself was responsible for the turn of the tide on these "head voices" along the past XX century. It is not that Britten appreciated his art and created the role of Puck for him in A Midsummer's Night Dream. It is not that Dominique Visse's tessitura lies higher than Deller's. It is not that we are short of countertenors at this age (my personal favorite is David Daniels). But take the time to listen to this timbre, intonation, expresiveness and perfect phrasing in O solitude and judge for yourself. Hope to have done the right thing to put Deller where it belongs.

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Songlines

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