Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Baroque opera with John Blow's "Venus & Adonis," a seminal work in the English operatic tradition. Recorded live at the prestigious Wigmore Hall in London, this album captures the essence of Blow's masterful composition, performed by the esteemed Theatre of the Ayre under the direction of Elizabeth Kenny. This 1683 opera, the oldest surviving all-sung English opera, offers a captivating journey through the mythological tale of Venus and Adonis, paralleling the dramatic intensity of Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas."
The album features a stellar cast of vocalists, including Sophie Daneman, Elin Manahan Thomas, and Roderick Williams, who bring depth and nuance to the operatic roles. Accompanied by an ensemble of talented musicians, the performance is a testament to the enduring beauty of Baroque music. The tracklist includes a mix of arias, choruses, and instrumental pieces, showcasing the versatility and richness of Blow's compositional style.
With a duration of approximately 75 minutes, this live recording provides an authentic and immersive experience of Baroque opera. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling introduction to the works of John Blow and the enchanting world of Baroque music.
(C) 2011 Wigmore Hall Live
Tracks
Chloe found Amintas lyingJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Ground in G minor for violin and continuoJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Vos mepris chaque jourMichel Lambert, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
ChaconneRobert de Visée, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis - OvertureJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis - Cupid: 'Behold my arrows and my bow'John Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis - Cupid's EntryJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis - Tune for FlutesJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act One - Adonis: 'Venus'John Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act One - Hunters' MusicJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act One - Chorus: 'Come follow'John Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act One - A Dance by a HuntsmanJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act One - Act TuneJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - Cupid: 'You place with such delightful care'John Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - The Cupid's LessonJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - A Dance of the CupidsJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - Venus: 'Call the Graces'John Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - Chorus of the Graces 'Mortals below, Cupids above'John Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - The Graces’ DanceJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - GavattJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - Saraband for the GracesJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - A GroundJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venua and Adonis Act Two - Act TuneJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Three - Venus: 'Adonis'John Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Three - Venus: 'With solemn pomp let mourning Cupids bear'John Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
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