Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of English Baroque music with John Blow's "An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell & Other Works." Released on Hyperion in 2017, this album is a testament to Blow's prowess as both a vocal and instrumental composer. Spanning over an hour and sixteen minutes, the album features 29 tracks that showcase Blow's intricate compositions, from the moving tribute "An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell" to the lively "Chaconne a 4 in G Major."
The album is a collaboration with the renowned ensemble Arcangelo, led by Jonathan Cohen, and features exceptional performances by soloists and ensembles alike. The vocal pieces are particularly noteworthy, with fine solo and ensemble singing that brings Blow's music to life. The instrumental tracks are equally impressive, with beautifully articulated strings and crisp, tangy theorbos adding depth and texture to the compositions.
John Blow, often remembered as Henry Purcell's teacher, was a prolific composer in his own right. This album offers a comprehensive look at his work, highlighting his ability to blend vocal and instrumental elements seamlessly. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur of Baroque music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album is a must-listen. Dive into the world of John Blow and experience the timeless beauty of his music.
Begin the Song!: I. OvertureJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Begin the Song!: II. Begin the Song! Your Instruments Advance –John Blow, Arcangelo, Samuel Boden, Jonathan Cohen
Begin the Song!: III. Bring Gentlest Thoughts, That into Language GlideJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Thomas Walker
Begin the Song!: IV. Hark How the Waken'd Strings ResoundJohn Blow, Jonathan Cohen, Samuel Boden, Thomas Walker, Arcangelo
Begin the Song!: V. By Harmony's Entrancing PowerJohn Blow, Thomas Walker, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Begin the Song!: VI. How Dull Were Life, How Hardly Worth Our Care –John Blow, William Gaunt, Zoë Brookshaw, Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo
Begin the Song!: VII. Without the Sweets of MelodyJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Thomas Walker
Begin the Song!: VIII. Music's the Cordial of a Troubled BreastJohn Blow, Callum Thorpe, Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo
Begin the Song!: IX. Come Then, with Tuneful Breath and StringJohn Blow, Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo
Chaconne a 4 in G MajorJohn Blow, Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo
An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell: I. Mark How the Lark and Linnet Sing –John Blow, Thomas Walker, Samuel Boden, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell: II. But in the Close of Night –John Blow, Thomas Walker, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Samuel Boden
An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell: III. So Ceas'd the Rival Crew When Purcell Came –John Blow, Jonathan Cohen, Thomas Walker, Arcangelo
An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell: IV. We Beg Not Hell Our Orpheus to Restore –John Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Thomas Walker
An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell: V. The Power of Harmony Too Well They KnowJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Samuel Boden
An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell: VI. The Heavenly Choir, Who Heard His Notes from High –John Blow, Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo, Samuel Boden, Thomas Walker
An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell: VII. Ye Brethren of the Lyre, and Tuneful VoiceJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Samuel Boden, Thomas Walker
Ground in G MinorJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
The Nymphs of the Wells: I. The Nymphs of the Wells, and the Nymphs of the HillsJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Samuel Boden, Thomas Walker
The Nymphs of the Wells: II. But Here Comes a Druid and We Must Retire –John Blow, Jonathan Cohen, Emma Walshe, Arcangelo, Zoë Brookshaw
The Nymphs of the Wells: III. Blest Be This Morn, Blest Be the Hand –John Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Samuel Boden, William Gaunt
The Nymphs of the Wells: IV. We Nymphs of the Founts and We of the MountsJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Sonata in A Major: I. Slow –John Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Sonata in A Major: II. [Untitled] –John Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Sonata in A Major: III. BriskJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Dread Sir, the Prince of Light: I. [Symphony] –John Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Dread Sir, the Prince of Light: II. Dread Sir, the Prince of Light Begins to Rise –John Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Samuel Boden, Thomas Walker, William Gaunt
Dread Sir, the Prince of Light: III. Let No Disloyal Cares His Peace Destroy –John Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Thomas Walker
Dread Sir, the Prince of Light: IV. This Message We BringJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Samuel Boden, Thomas Walker, William Gaunt