Henry Purcell 9 – 13 February

[doversoul1]

The focus of this series seems to be on Purcell’s stage works. The webpage description all begings with :
Henry Purcell's stageworks: […]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b051cg9t

[ardcarp]

..but we nevertheless got I was glad (Wabbey Coronation anthem) near the beginning. Should be a great jaunt through the London of that exciting post- Restoration period.

[Serial_Apologist]

So much Handel sounds like second-rate Purcell. Another 30 years I believe our Henry would have eclipsed JS Bach in sheer greatness.

Incidentally, why did we hear "Sound the Trumpets" sung (very inexpressively btw) by a mezzo? My version has two countertenors.

[ardcarp]

So much Handel sounds like second-rate Purcell. Another 30 years I believe our Henry would have eclipsed JS Bach in sheer greatness.

....one of those wonderful sweeping statements, S.A. As an undergraduate, though (when sweeping statements were benignly tolerated) I did quite a lot of work finding bits of Blow, Purcell, Croft, Greene et al, which Handel had clearly been influenced by, and which he subsequently worked into his ceremonial anthems, Chandos Anthems and even into his oratorios. I regret to say, my point at the time was that Handel did it better!

BTW, good to hear that old Anthony Lewis recording of Dido. A bit clunky and dated now, but Lewis was a great pioneer in the revival and staging of Baroque opera.

[doversoul1]

Incidentally, why did we hear "Sound the Trumpets" sung (very inexpressively btw) by a mezzo? My version has two countertenors.

That’s how ‘good’ he is, S-A. It was no mazzo but Iestyn Davies, one of the very best countertenors around at the moment. (although I must say this isn’t his best)

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/EMI/4403292

I too prefer this song by two countertenors rather than a real trumpet accompanying the voice, which seems to lose the point.


Very good to hear Purcell’s instrumental works.

[ed.] We are told that the playlist is ‘automatically generated’. Generated from what? Today’s list is a complete MESS.

[ardcarp]

...and again [!] although billed as a stage works programme, we had a complete performance of the Te Deum in D today. A very beautiful sound from CCO and Simon Preston, but a somewhat staid rendering, it has to be said.

P.S. Does anyone have a copy of this CD/LP? If so would they be kind enough to post the names of the soloists, if listed? I think I know who the countertenor is...very fine voice!

[sturkel]

I have an old LP of the Purcell Te Deum,sung by St Johns College Cambridge under George Guest, recorded around 1972. This is notable notable mainly for the lamentable failure of the bass soloist, Forbes Robinson, to reach and hold in tune the highest notes of his solo part, but also by some excellent singing by the choir. Its treble soloists for the Te Deum included amongst others, Robert King (later of the Kings Consort), the renowned double bass player Malcolm Creese, and the great Simon Keenlyside! Some treble line.

[DracoM]

To my surprise, I have rally enjoyed this Purcell week. Good to hear Catherine Bott doing what she does best as well....!