Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Henry Purcell's baroque masterpieces with "Music for a While - Improvisations on Purcell." This exquisite collection, released on Erato/Warner Classics, offers a captivating journey through the genius of one of England's most celebrated composers. Spanning a rich hour and sixteen minutes, the album is a testament to Purcell's enduring influence, featuring arrangements by the talented Pluhar.
The tracklist is a treasure trove of Purcell's most beloved works, including enchanting arias, stirring choruses, and poignant songs. From the haunting beauty of "When I Am Laid in Earth" from "Dido and Aeneas" to the jubilant "Come Ye Sons of Art" from the "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday," each piece is a masterclass in baroque composition. The album also includes a moving rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," adding a contemporary touch to this classical ensemble.
Performances are nothing short of breathtaking, with the artists bringing Purcell's intricate melodies and harmonies to life with precision and passion. The choral arrangements are particularly noteworthy, showcasing the depth and range of Purcell's choral writing. Whether you're a seasoned classical aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Purcell / Arr. Pluhar: The Mock Marriage, Z. 605: No. 2, Twas Within a FurlongHenry Purcell, Christina Pluhar, L'Arpeggiata, Vincenzo Capezzuto
Purcell / Arr. Pluhar: Oedipus, Z. 583: No. 2, Song. "Music for a While"Henry Purcell, Christina Pluhar, L'Arpeggiata, Philippe Jaroussky
Purcell / Arr. Pluhar: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 5, Ritornello. "Strike the Viol"Henry Purcell, Christina Pluhar, L'Arpeggiata, Raquel Andueza
Purcell / Arr. Pluhar: An Evening Hymn, Z. 193Henry Purcell, Christina Pluhar, L'Arpeggiata, Philippe Jaroussky
Purcell: Hail! Bright Cecilia, Z. 328 "Ode to St Cecilia": Duet. "In Vain the Am'rous Flute"Henry Purcell, Christina Pluhar, L'Arpeggiata, Philippe Jaroussky, Vincenzo Capezzuto
Purcell / Arr. Pluhar: Who Can From Joy Refrain, Z. 342: Song. "A Prince of Glorious Race Descended"Henry Purcell, Christina Pluhar, L'Arpeggiata, Raquel Andueza
Purcell: "O Solitude, My Sweetest Choice", Z. 406Henry Purcell, Christina Pluhar, Philippe Jaroussky, Sarah Ridy, Haru Kitamika, L'Arpeggiata
Purcell / Arr. Pluhar: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III: Song. "When I Am Laid in Earth"Henry Purcell, Christina Pluhar, L'Arpeggiata, Raquel Andueza
Purcell / Arr. Pluhar: Hail! Bright Cecilia, Z. 328 "Ode to St Cecilia": Aria. "Wondrous Machine"Henry Purcell, Christina Pluhar, L'Arpeggiata, Vincenzo Capezzuto
Purcell / Arr. Pluhar: Welcome to All the Pleasures, Z. 339: III. "Here the Deities Approve"Henry Purcell, Christina Pluhar, Philippe Jaroussky, L'Arpeggiata
Purcell / Arr. Pluhar: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I: Song. "Ah Belinda, I Am Press'd with Torment"Henry Purcell, Christina Pluhar, L'Arpeggiata, Raquel Andueza
Purcell / Arr. Pluhar: Timon of Athens, Z. 632: "Hark! How the Songsters of the Grove"Henry Purcell, Christina Pluhar, L'Arpeggiata, Philippe Jaroussky, Raquel Andueza
Purcell / Arr. Pluhar: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act II. Song. "One Charming Night"Henry Purcell, Christina Pluhar, L'Arpeggiata, Vincenzo Capezzuto
Purcell / Arr. Pluhar: The Mock Marriage, Z. 605: No. 3, Man Is for the Woman MadeHenry Purcell, Christina Pluhar, Dominique Visse, L'Arpeggiata
Purcell / Arr. Pluhar: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act V: The Plaint. "O Let Me Ever, Ever Weep"Henry Purcell, Christina Pluhar, L'Arpeggiata, Raquel Andueza
Purcell / Arr. Pluhar: Timon of Athens, Z. 632: Curtain Tune on a GroundHenry Purcell, Christina Pluhar, L'Arpeggiata
Cohen: HallelujahLeonard Cohen, Christina Pluhar, L'Arpeggiata, Vincenzo Capezzuto