Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Baroque music with William Boyce's "Solomon," a captivating serenata that showcases the composer's mastery of the genre. Released in 1990 by Hyperion, this classical album is a testament to Boyce's skill in crafting intricate and beautiful compositions. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes, "Solomon" is a rich tapestry of 31 tracks that weave together to create a harmonious and engaging listening experience.
The album features a stellar cast of performers, including Bronwen Mills, Howard Crook, and The Parley of Instruments, all conducted by Roy Goodman. Their collective talent brings Boyce's music to life, highlighting the composer's ability to blend vocal and instrumental elements seamlessly.
"Solomon" is divided into three parts, each offering a unique blend of recitatives, arias, duets, and choruses. The album opens with a stirring overture that sets the stage for the dramatic and lyrical pieces that follow. From the soaring vocals of "Fairest of the Virgin Throng" to the delicate beauty of "Softly arise, O Southern breeze!", each track is a gem in its own right.
The album's themes of love, nature, and devotion are beautifully conveyed through Boyce's music, making "Solomon" a timeless addition to any classical music collection. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Baroque music or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that is sure to delight.
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 1, Overture. Largo – Allegro – LarghettoWilliam Boyce, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 2, Chorus. Behold, Jerusalem, Behold Thy King (Chorus)William Boyce, Roy Goodman, The Parley of Instruments, The Parley of Instruments Choir
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 3, Recit. From the Mountains, Lo! He Comes (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 4, Air. Tell Me, Lovely Shepherd, Where (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 5, Air. Fairest of the Virgin Throng (He)William Boyce, Howard Crook, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 6, Recit. As the Rich Apple, on Whose Boughs (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 7, Air. Beneath Him Ample Shade I Lay (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 8, Recit. Who Quits the Lily's Fleecy White (He)William Boyce, Howard Crook, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 9, Air. Balmy Sweetness, Ever Flowing (He)William Boyce, Howard Crook, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 10, Recit/Air. Let Not My Prince His Slave Despise (She)William Boyce, Roy Goodman, The Parley of Instruments, Bronwen Mills
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 11, Air. Fair and Comely Is My Love (He)William Boyce, Howard Crook, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 12, Recit. Forbear, O Charming Swain, Forbear! (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 13, Air. O Fill with Cooling Juice the Bowl (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 1, Sinfonia. Allegro assaiWilliam Boyce, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 2, Recit/Air. The Cheerful Spring Begins Today (He/She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman, Howard Crook
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 3, Duet. Together Let Us Range the Fields (He/She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman, Howard Crook
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 4, Recit. How Lovely Art Thou to the Sight (He)William Boyce, Howard Crook, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 5, Air. Let Me, Love, the Bole Ascending (He)William Boyce, Howard Crook, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 6, Recit. O That a Sister's Specious Name (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 7, Air. Soft! I Adjure You, by the Fawns (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 8, Recit. My Fair's a Garden of Delight (He)William Boyce, Howard Crook, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 9, Air with Chorus. Softly Rise, O Southern Breeze! (He)William Boyce, Howard Crook, Roy Goodman, The Parley of Instruments Choir, The Parley of Instruments, Sally Jackson
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 1, Arioso. Arise, My Fair, the Doors Unfold (He/She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman, Howard Crook
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 2, Recit/Air. Obedient to Thy Voice I Hie (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, Roy Goodman, The Parley of Instruments
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 3, Air. Ye Blooming Virgins, as Ye Rove (She)William Boyce, Roy Goodman, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 3, Chorus. Who Is Thy Love, O Charming Maid! (Virgins)William Boyce, Roy Goodman, The Parley of Instruments, The Parley of Instruments Choir
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 5, Air. On His Face the Vernal Rose (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, Roy Goodman, The Parley of Instruments
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 6, Arioso. This, O Ye Virgins, Is the Swain (She)William Boyce, Roy Goodman, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 7, Recit. Sweet Nymph, Whom Ruddier Charms Adorn (He)William Boyce, Roy Goodman, Howard Crook, The Parley of Instruments
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 8, Recit. O Take Me! Stamp Me on Thy Breast! (She)William Boyce, Roy Goodman, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 9, Duet and Chorus. Thou Soft Invader of the Soul! (He/She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, Howard Crook, Roy Goodman, The Parley of Instruments, The Parley of Instruments Choir