Immerse yourself in the opulent world of 17th-century English royal courts with Henry Purcell's "Royal Welcome Songs for King Charles II Volume II." This captivating collection, performed by The Sixteen under the direction of Harry Christophers, showcases Purcell's mastery of choral and instrumental music composed for royal occasions.
The album features a rich tapestry of odes, welcome songs, and instrumental pieces that Purcell crafted to celebrate and glorify King Charles II. From the grandeur of "Welcome to all the Pleasures," an ode for St. Cecilia's Day, to the intimate beauty of "O Solitude, My Sweetest Choice," each track offers a unique glimpse into the musical landscape of the Restoration era.
Purcell's genius for word-setting and his ability to evoke vivid imagery through music are on full display in this collection. Whether it's the triumphant fanfares of "Welcome to all the Pleasures" or the delicate elegance of "Plung’d in the Confines of Despair," every piece is a testament to Purcell's enduring musical legacy.
The album spans a variety of genres within the classical and choral traditions, from solemn anthems like "Hear My Prayer, O Lord" to lively catches and instrumental pavans. The performances by The Sixteen are marked by their precision, warmth, and deep understanding of the music's historical context, making this album a treasure trove for both Purcell enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
"Royal Welcome Songs for King Charles II Volume II" is not just a collection of beautiful music; it's a historical journey through the reign of one of England's most flamboyant monarchs, as seen through the eyes of one of its greatest composers. With a duration of over an hour, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that will transport you to a bygone era of splendor and intrigue.
(C) 2019 The Sixteen Productions Ltd
Tracks
Hear My Prayer, O Lord, Z. 15Henry Purcell, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
O Solitude, My Sweetest Choice, Z. 406Henry Purcell, Katy Hill, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Lord, How Long Wilt Thou Be Angry, Z. 25Henry Purcell, Kirsty Hopkins, Katy Hill, Daniel Collins, George Pooley, Ben Davies, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Pavan of Four Parts in G Minor, Z. 752Henry Purcell, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Plung’d in the Confines of Despair, Z. 142Henry Purcell, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Welcome to all the Pleasures (Ode for St Cecilia’s Day), Z. 339: SymphonyHenry Purcell, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
Welcome to all the Pleasures (Ode for St Cecilia’s Day), Z. 339: Welcome to all the PleasuresHenry Purcell, Jeremy Budd, Mark Dobell, Ben Davies, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Welcome to all the Pleasures (Ode for St Cecilia’s Day), Z. 339: Here the Deities ApproveHenry Purcell, Daniel Collins, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Welcome to all the Pleasures (Ode for St Cecilia’s Day), Z. 339: While Joys CelestialHenry Purcell, Katy Hill, Kirsty Hopkins, Mark Dobell, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Welcome to all the Pleasures (Ode for St Cecilia’s Day), Z. 339: Beauty, Thou Scene of LoveHenry Purcell, Mark Dobell, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Welcome to all the Pleasures (Ode for St Cecilia’s Day), Z. 339: In a Consort of VoicesHenry Purcell, Mark Dobell, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
In Thee, O Lord, do I put my Trust, Z. 16Henry Purcell, Daniel Collins, Mark Dobell, Ben Davies, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
From Silent Shades and the Elysian Groves, Z. 370Henry Purcell, Kirsty Hopkins, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Catch - Of all the Instruments that are, Z. 263Henry Purcell, Jeremy Budd, Mark Dobell, George Pooley, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
From Hardy Climes and Dangerous Toils of War, Z. 325: SymphonyHenry Purcell, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
From Hardy Climes and Dangerous Toils of War, Z. 325: From Hardy ClimesHenry Purcell, Stuart Young, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
From Hardy Climes and Dangerous Toils of War, Z. 325: Fame, Great SirHenry Purcell, Kirsty Hopkins, Katy Hill, Jeremy Budd, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
From Hardy Climes and Dangerous Toils of War, Z. 325: Wake then, my Muse!Henry Purcell, Stuart Young, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
From Hardy Climes and Dangerous Toils of War, Z. 325: The Sparrow and the Gentle DoveHenry Purcell, Mark Dobell, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
From Hardy Climes and Dangerous Toils of War, Z. 325: So all the BoonsHenry Purcell, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
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.
Vinylscout
Henry Purcell
