BaL 15.02.14 - Purcell's Songs

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

9.30am Building a Library
Anna Picard is our guide through the rich and varied collection of songs by Henry Purcell

[doversoul1]

Brave soul…. Where on earth is she going to begin?!

Here are some where I’d start.

This needs to be heard irrespective of your preference
Alfred Deller

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Harmonia%2BMundi/HMG50249

Most likely to be my ultimate (until he records Purcell again)
Iestyn Davies, Richard Egarr (et al.)

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Wigmore%2BHall%2BLive/WHLIVE0065

I love these artists but I honestly wish they wouldn’t do this (not yet released).

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Erato/2564633750

Christina Pluhar & L’Arpeggiata,

[ed.] Andreas Scholl (includes Dido’s Lament)

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Decca/4782262

[MickyD]

This would certainly be one of my choices:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Purcell-Songs-Airs-Emma-Kirkby/dp/B000QFAH7A/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1391779548&sr=1-1&keywords=purcell+songs

[Black Swan]

I agree with all the postings so far. EA will have a difficult time compiling a list for this one. I wish him luck... I am sure he will as always do a splendid job. I have just ordered Arise My Muse. As well a Iestyn's new Handel album with Carolyn Sampson and the Kings Consort.

[BBMmk2]

Ah! how different a BaL this is going to be! Can't wait!! :)

[amateur51]

Is the reviewer anything to do with Star Trek?

Bet she's never heard that before

[silvestrione]

I agree with all the postings so far. EA will have a difficult time compiling a list for this one. I wish him luck... I am sure he will as always do a splendid job. I have just ordered Arise My Muse. As well a Iestyn's new Handel album with Carolyn Sampson and the Kings Consort.

One of the issues is, what constitutes a Purcell song? Many of the recital discs, if not all, include items from the Odes or other 'extracts' from larger works.

[Barbirollians]

There was a lovely Nancy Argenta disc on Virgin I used to play all the time . Her version of " O Solitude" would always be in contention for my desert island .

[gurnemanz]

There was a lovely Nancy Argenta disc on Virgin I used to play all the time . Her version of " O Solitude" would always be in contention for my desert island .

Coincidentally, I was just about to mention this exquisite disc. It was a very early CD purchase with a thickish booklet containing texts and good notes which the good value twofer re-issue seems to lack.

[Barbirollians]

Coincidentally, I was just about to mention this exquisite disc. It was a very early CD purchase with a thickish booklet containing texts and good notes which the good value twofer re-issue seems to lack.

Agreed entirely. I have both but still tend to get out and play the original - indeed the CD deserves a spin this afternoon.

[Nick Armstrong]

Judging by AMcG's "Anna Picard will be joining me to discuss Purcell's songs" on this morning's programme, this will be a dialogue BAL. After the last two, 'classic' programmes, this tempts me somewhat less...

[ardcarp]

Oh Gawd...not the oh-so-spontaneous dialogue format.

Anyway, having thought of the Purcell songs I know (agreed 'songs' is difficult to define), where they slot into CDs containing other stuff (not to mention stage pieces) and the huge variety of singers and performing styles since the start of the recording era, it makes Mr Swain's job yesterday seem child's play.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I agree with all the postings so far. EA will have a difficult time compiling a list for this one. I wish him luck... I am sure he will as always do a splendid job.

Sorry. Not this time. When it's a specific work, I endeavour to compile a list, but when it's a broad as this, it's impossible to second-guess the presenter.

But thanks to those who have already made suggestions.

[CallMePaul]

I think she is best known as a gardening writer (eg for The Independent!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I think she is best known as a gardening writer (eg for The Independent!

You're kidding.

On reflection, perhaps not.