Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Henry Purcell's choral masterpieces with the Choir of King's College, Cambridge. This exquisite collection, released on Warner Classics, showcases the choir's renowned artistry and the enduring brilliance of Purcell's compositions. Spanning over two hours, this album features 39 tracks that highlight the rich tapestry of Purcell's sacred and celebratory works, including funeral sentences, odes, and anthems.
The Choir of King's College, a beacon of the British choral tradition, brings a sense of reverence and precision to each piece. From the somber elegance of "Funeral Sentences" to the jubilant celebration of "Come Ye Sons of Art," this album offers a comprehensive journey through Purcell's choral repertoire. The intricate harmonies and powerful vocals of the choir are complemented by the Academy of Ancient Music, ensuring an authentic and historically informed performance.
Highlights include the stirring "March and Canzona for Queen Mary's Funeral," the uplifting "Rejoice in the Lord Alway," and the poignant "My Heart Is Inditing." Each track is a testament to Purcell's genius and the choir's dedication to preserving and performing his music with the highest standards of excellence.
Whether you are a seasoned fan of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, this album is a treasure trove of musical delight. The Choir of King's College's rendition of Purcell's works is a celebration of the human voice and the enduring power of music to inspire and uplift.
Purcell: March and Canzona for Queen Mary's Funeral, Z. 860: MarchHenry Purcell, Philip Ledger, The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble
Purcell: March and Canzona for Queen Mary's Funeral, Z. 860: CanzonaHenry Purcell, Philip Ledger, The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble
Purcell: Funeral Sentences: Man That Is Born of a Woman, Z. 27Henry Purcell, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Timothy Byram-Wigfield, Robert Chilcott, Jonathan Robarts, Francis Grier, Michael Cockerham
Purcell: Funeral Sentences: In the Midst of Life, Z. 17AHenry Purcell, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Timothy Byram-Wigfield, Robert Chilcott, Jonathan Robarts, Francis Grier, Michael Cockerham
Purcell: Funeral Sentences: Thou Know'st, Lord, Z. 58C (First Verse)Henry Purcell, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Timothy Byram-Wigfield, Robert Chilcott, Jonathan Robarts, Francis Grier, Michael Cockerham
Purcell: March and Canzona for Queen Mary's Funeral, Z. 860: March (Reprise)Henry Purcell, Philip Ledger
Purcell: Funeral Sentences: Thou Know'st, Lord, Z. 58C (Second Verse)Henry Purcell, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 1, SinfoniaHenry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 2a, Ritornello. "Come Ye Sons of Art Away"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Tim Mead
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 2b, Chorus. "Come Ye Sons of Art Away"Henry Purcell, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Academy of Ancient Music, Stephen Cleobury
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 3, Duet. "Sound the Trumpet"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, David Hansen, Tim Mead
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 4, Chorus. "Come Ye Sons of Art Away"Henry Purcell, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Academy of Ancient Music, Stephen Cleobury
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 5, Ritornello. "Strike the Viol"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Tim Mead
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 6a, Aria. "The Day That Such a Blessing Gave"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Jacques Imbrailo
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 6b, Chorus. "The Day That Such a Blessing Gave"Henry Purcell, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Academy of Ancient Music, Stephen Cleobury
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 7, Aria. "Bid the Virtues"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Kate Royal
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 8, Aria. "These Are the Sacred Charms"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Jacques Imbrailo
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 9a, Duet. "See Nature Rejoicing"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Jacques Imbrailo, Kate Royal
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 9b, Chorus. "See Nature Rejoicing"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Purcell: Rejoice in the Lord Alway, Z. 49 "The Bell Anthem"Henry Purcell, Gustav Leonhardt, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, James Bowman, Leonhardt-Consort, Max van Egmond, Nigel Rogers
Purcell: Blow Up the Trumpet in Sion, Z. 10Henry Purcell, Gustav Leonhardt, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, James Bowman, Leonhardt-Consort, Max van Egmond, Nigel Rogers
Purcell: O God, Thou Art My God, Z. 35Henry Purcell, Gustav Leonhardt, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, James Bowman, Leonhardt-Consort, Max van Egmond, Nigel Rogers
Purcell: O God, Thou Hast Cast Us Out, Z. 36Henry Purcell, Gustav Leonhardt, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, James Bowman, Leonhardt-Consort, Max van Egmond, Nigel Rogers
Purcell: My Heart Is Inditing, Z. 30Henry Purcell, Gustav Leonhardt, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, James Bowman, Leonhardt-Consort, Max van Egmond, Nigel Rogers
Purcell: Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences, Z. 50Henry Purcell, Gustav Leonhardt, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, James Bowman, Leonhardt-Consort, Max van Egmond, Nigel Rogers
Purcell: Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem, Z. 46Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 1, SinfoniaHenry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 2, Aria. "Love's Goddess Sure Was Blind This Day"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Tim Mead
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 3, Recitative. "Those Eyes, That Form"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Jacques Imbrailo
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 4, Duet. "Sweetness of Nature and True Wit"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, David Hansen, Tim Mead
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 5, Aria. "Long May She Reign Over This Isle"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Edward Philips
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 6, Aria. "May Her Blest Example Chase"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Tim Mead
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 7, Duet. "Many Such Days May She Behold"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, David Hansen, Tim Mead
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 8, Chorus. "May She to Heaven Late Return"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 9a, Verse. "As Much as We Below Shall Mourn"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, David Hansen, Jacques Imbrailo, Kate Royal, Tim Mead
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 9b, Chorus. "As Much as We Below Shall Mourn"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Purcell: My Beloved Spake, Z. 28Henry Purcell, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Nicholas Hayes, Robert Chilcott, Gareth Morrell, Francis Grier, Michael Cockerham, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Purcell: Blessed Are They That Fear the Lord, Z. 5Henry Purcell, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Timothy Byram-Wigfield, Peter Castle, Jonathan Robarts, Francis Grier, Michael Cockerham, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Purcell: Hear My Prayer, O Lord, Z. 15Henry Purcell, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Henry Purcell, born in 1659 in Westminster, London, is celebrated as England's greatest composer of the Baroque era. Despite his tragically short life, ending at the age of 36 in 1695, Purcell's prolific output and innovative spirit have left an indelible mark on classical music. Known for his over 100 enchanting songs, the heart-wrenching opera "Dido and Aeneas," and his magical incidental music for "The Fairy Queen," a adaptation of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Purcell's compositions continue to captivate audiences worldwide. His profound influence earned him the title "Orpheus Britannicus" and solidified his status as a pioneer of English music from the Restoration period until the early 20th century. Purcell's musical genius transcends time, making his works essential listening for any classical music enthusiast.