Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Henry Purcell's "Songs and Airs," a 2001 release that brings together 42 enchanting tracks spanning over 2 hours and 32 minutes. This album, a collaboration with the renowned Nancy Argenta, is a treasure trove of Purcell's finest compositions, showcasing his unparalleled mastery of Baroque music.
From the hauntingly beautiful "O Solitude, My Sweetest Choice" to the stirring "Fairest Isle" and the poignant "When I Am Laid in Earth" from "Dido and Aeneas," each piece is a testament to Purcell's ability to evoke deep emotion and vivid imagery through his music. The album is a diverse collection, featuring songs and airs from various operas, odes, and other works, offering a comprehensive exploration of Purcell's musical genius.
The performances are exquisite, with Argenta's voice bringing a delicate and expressive touch to each piece. Accompanied by a talented ensemble of musicians, including Fiona Huggett on violin, John Toll on organ and harpsichord, Marion Scott on recorder, and Mark Bennett on trumpet, the album is a symphony of rich, layered sounds that transport the listener to the heart of the Baroque era.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Songs and Airs" is an essential addition to your collection. It's a celebration of Purcell's enduring legacy, offering a glimpse into the musical landscape of his time and the timeless beauty of his compositions.
Tracks
Purcell: "O Solitude, My Sweetest Choice", Z. 406Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North
Purcell: Tyrannic Love, Z. 613: No. 2, Song. "Ah! How Sweet It Is to Love"Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Paul Nicholson, Richard Boothby
Purcell: Not All My Torments Can Your Pity Move, Z. 400Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North, Paul Nicholson
Purcell: Stripp'd of Their Green, Z. 444Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North, Paul Nicholson, Richard Boothby
Purcell: Tell Me, Some Pitying Angel, Z. 196Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North, Paul Nicholson, Richard Boothby
Purcell: If Music Be the Food of Love, Z. 379Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Paul Nicholson, Richard Boothby
Purcell: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act V: Song. "Hark! the Echoing Air"Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North, Paul Nicholson, Richard Boothby
Purcell: The Fatal Hour Comes on Apace, Z. 421Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North
Purcell: Incassum Lesbia, incassum rogas, Z. 383Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North, Paul Nicholson
Purcell: Pausanias, Z. 585: No. 1, Song. "Sweeter Than Roses"Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North, Richard Boothby
Purcell: Cupid, the Slyest Rogue Alive, Z. 367Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North, Paul Nicholson, Richard Boothby
Purcell: From Silent Shades, Z. 370Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North, Paul Nicholson, Richard Boothby
Purcell: The Tempest, Z. 631, Act IV: Song. "Dear Pretty Youth" (Dorinda)Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North, Richard Boothby
Purcell: Don Quixote, Z. 578: No. 9, Song. "From Rosie Bow'rs"Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North, Paul Nicholson, Richard Boothby
Purcell: Now That the Sun Hath Veiled His Light, Z. 193Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Paul Nicholson
Purcell: Sophonisba, Z. 590: No. 1, Song. "Beneath a Poplar's Shadow"Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North, Richard Boothby
Purcell: The Indian Queen, Z. 630, Act III: "I Attempt from Love's Sickness" (Zempoalla)Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Paul Nicholson
Purcell: Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: Song. "Let Us Dance"Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North, Paul Nicholson, Richard Boothby
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act V: Song. "Fairest Isle"Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North
Purcell: O Solitude, My Sweetest Choice, Z. 406Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Richard Boothby
Purcell: The Libertine, Z. 600: No. 1, Song. "Nymphs and Sheperds"Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Fiona Huggett, John Toll, Nicholas Robinson, Nigel North, Richard Boothby, Trevor Jones
Purcell: Amidst the Shades and Cool Refreshing Streams, Z. 355Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North
Purcell: Timon of Athens, Z. 632: Song. "Love in Their Little Veins" (Nymph)Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Marion Scott, Nigel North, Rachel Becket, Richard Boothby
Purcell: Fly Swift, Ye Hours, Z. 369Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, John Toll, Nigel North, Richard Boothby
Purcell: The Indian Queen, Z. 630, Act IV: "They Tell Us" - Fourth Act Tune - "To Suffer for Him" (Orazia)Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Fiona Huggett, John Toll, Nicholas Robinson, Nigel North, Richard Boothby, Trevor Jones
Purcell: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act V: The Plaint. "O Let Me Ever, Ever Weep"Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, John Toll, Nigel North, Pauline Nobes, Richard Boothby
Purcell: In the Black, Dismal Dungeon of Despair, Z. 190Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, John Toll, Nigel North
Purcell: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act II. Song. "See, Even Night Herself Is Here"Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Fiona Huggett, Nicholas Robinson, Trevor Jones
Purcell: The Indian Queen, Z. 630: Prologue. "Why Should Men Quarrel" (Indian Girl)Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, John Toll, Marion Scott, Rachel Becket, Richard Boothby
Purcell: The Indian Queen, Z. 630, Act III: "Seek Not to Know" (God of Dreams)Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, John Toll, Nigel North, Paul Goodwin, Richard Boothby, Sophia McKenna
Purcell: The History of King Richard the Second, Z. 581: Song. "Retir'd from Mortals' Sight"Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North
Purcell: The Libertine, Z. 600: No. 3, Prelude and Song. "To Arms, Heroic Prince"Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, John Toll, Mark Benett, Nigel North, Richard Boothby
Purcell: Bonduca, or the British Heroine, Z. 574, Act 5: "Oh! Lead Me to Some Peaceful Gloom" (Bonvica)Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, John Toll, Nigel North, Richard Boothby
Purcell: The Tempest, Z. 631, Act V: Song. "Halcyon Days" (Amphitrite)Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, John Toll, Nigel North, Paul Goodwin, Pauline Nobes, Richard Boothby
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 7, Aria. "Bid the Virtues"Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, John Toll, Nigel North, Paul Goodwin, Richard Boothby
Purcell: Lord, What Is Man, Z. 192Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, John Toll, Nigel North, Richard Boothby
Purcell: Oedipus, Z. 583: No. 2, Song. "Music for a While"Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, John Toll
Purcell: If Music Be the Food of Love, Z. 379Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, John Toll, Richard Boothby
Purcell: Sawney Is a Bonny Lad, Z. 412Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North
Purcell: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act III. Song. "When I Have Often Heard"Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Fiona Huggett, John Toll, Nicholas Robinson, Nigel North, Richard Boothby
Purcell: Theodosius, Z. 606: No. 9, Song. "Ah! Cruel, Bloody Fate"Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, John Toll, Nigel North
Purcell: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III: Recitative. "Thy Hand, Belinda" - Song. "When I Am Laid in Earth" (Dido)Henry Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Fiona Huggett, Nicholas Robinson, Nigel North, Richard Boothby, Trevor Jones
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