Henry Purcell 21 - 25 June 2021

[Serial_Apologist]

Is three times in 5 years too frequent a return for this subject?

It is arguable. That said, there is a feast of riches in store anticipated for those of us for whom Henry Purcell is an eternal joy.

For the enthusiasts:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000x6m1

[Frances_iom]

Is three times in 5 years too frequent a return for this subject?

It is arguable...

most things are - just enjoy the marvellous music and the excellent presentation

[Mandryka]

I like some of the Purcell on this CD -- both organ and harpsichord. The double organ voluntary is a blast, and Leonhardt makes the suites sound like interesting music.

[Serial_Apologist]

Just now we heard a performance of "Rejoice in the Lord All Way", to which, I have to say, we gave much sprightlier renditions sung as an anthem at school, with the first beat of each bar accented more strongly and the piece taken at a faster tempo. An example of changing views on performing approaches, no doubt.

The historical backdrop is fascinating, to say the least. All those refusing opportunities to vote in this day and age should take note!

[Richard Barrett]

Leonhardt makes the suites sound like interesting music.

That's because they are! The movements are fairly brief for the most part, but there's always some highly original detail, especially in rhythm, which no other composer would do, and the ground-bass pieces are absolutely exquisite.

[Mandryka]

I’m not as enthusiastic as you are about the suites, though I appreciate Leonhardt, and I’m sure there are some original things in the music.

On the other hand the double organ voluntary is very much my cup of tea! Especially the dissonances towards the end.

[MickyD]

I've got Kenneth Gilbert and Richard Egarr's versions of the keyboard suites and both are excellent.

[ardcarp]

I have yet to catch up with CotW. However I guess it's about Purcell's church music. Since the last couple of posts have been about his instrumental works, I must admit a passion for his Viol Fantasias/In Nomines. They were deliberately 'backward looking' om Purcell's part, but still have some of the Purcellian scrummy part-writing. I gather they were youthful works and were not published in his lifetime.

[Bryn]

I have yet to catch up with CotW. However I guess it's about Purcell's church music. Since the last couple of posts have been about his instrumental works, I must admit a passion for his Viol Fantasias/In Nomines. They were deliberately 'backward looking' om Purcell's part, but still have some of the Purcellian scrummy part-writing. I gather they were youthful works and were not published in his lifetime.

Yesterday's programme concentrated on church music but each programme treats with a different aspect of his work.