Various Artists – Purcell, Locke, Blow & Gibbons (Wigmore Hall Live) (2017) [Qobuz FLAC 24bit/96kHz]

Renowned period ensemble The English Concert and Harry Bicket are joined by two singers at the height of their powers, bright-voiced soprano Rosemary Joshua and the graceful mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly, as they delve into the musical world in which Henry Purcell was immersed.

Through the course of this concert, recorded live at Wigmore Hall, we explore the music of 17th-century England; from the irresistible Suite from ‘The Tempest’ by Matthew Locke to John Blow’s spritely Chaconne in G, crowned by beautifully crafted and luminous songs by Purcell himself.

Tracklist

01. The Tempest, The First Musick: I. Introduction – The English Concert
02. The Tempest, The First Musick: II. Galliard – The English Concert
03. The Tempest, The First Musick: III. Gavot – The English Concert
04. The Tempest, The Second Musick: IV. Saraband – The English Concert
05. The Tempest, The Second Musick: V. Lilk – The English Concert
06. If Music be the Food of Love, Z.379b – Harry Bicket
07. Draw Near, You Lovers, Z.462 – Harry Bicket
08. Dioclesian, Z.627, Act 5: “Oh! the Sweet Delights of Love” – Harry Bicket
09. The Tempest, The Second Musick: VI. Curtain Tune – The English Concert
10. The Tempest, The Second Musick: VII. The First Act Tune “Rustick Air” – The English Concert
11. The Tempest, The Second Musick: VIII. The Second Act Tune “Minoit” – The English Concert
12. The Tempest, The Second Musick: IX. The Third Act Tune “Corant” – The English Concert
13. The Tempest, The Second Musick: X. The Fourth Act Tune “A Martial Jigge” – The English Concert
14. The Tempest, The Second Musick: XII. The Conclusion “A Canon 4 in 2” – The English Concert
15. Oedipus, Z.583: II. Song. Musick for a While – The English Concert
16. Oh! Fair Cedaria, Hide Those Eyes, Z.402 – Harry Bicket
17. Pausanius, Z.585: No. 2, My Dearest, My Fairest – Harry Bicket
18. Chaconne in G Major – The English Concert
19. Oh Solitude, Z.406 – Harry Bicket
20. Pausanius, Z.585: No. 1, Sweeter than Roses – Sarah Connolly
21. Fantasy-Suite in D Minor: I. Fantasy – The English Concert
22. Fantasy-Suite in D Minor: II. Allman – The English Concert
23. Fantasy-Suite in D Minor: III. Galliard – The English Concert
24. The Fairy Queen, Z.629, Act 2: “One Charming Night” – Sarah Connolly
25. The Fairy Queen, Z.629, Act 5: “The Plaint” – Sarah Connolly
26. The Female Virtuosos, Z.596: “Love, Thou art Best” – Harry Bicket
27. The Fairy Queen, Z.629, Act 5: Chaconne – The English Concert
28. The Fairy Queen, Z.629, Act 5: “They Shall be as Happy as They’re Fair” – Harry Bicket