Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Baroque music with Henry Purcell's "Royal Welcome Songs for King James II," a captivating collection of choral and instrumental works that celebrate the grandeur and pageantry of the late 17th century. Released in 2017, this album features the renowned vocal ensemble The Sixteen, conducted by the esteemed Harry Christophers, delivering a performance that is both historically informed and deeply resonant.
The album spans a variety of genres within the classical realm, showcasing Purcell's mastery of choral writing, instrumental composition, and the dramatic interplay between the two. From the stately elegance of the "Chacony in G Minor, Z.730" to the jubilant energy of the "Welcome Songs" and the solemn beauty of the "Full Anthem 'Save Me, Oh God', Z.51," each track offers a unique glimpse into the musical landscape of Purcell's time.
Highlights include the multi-movement "Ye Tuneful Muses" and "Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum," both of which feature intricate vocal arrangements and lively instrumental accompaniment. The album also includes a selection of Purcell's catchy and humorous "Catches," providing a delightful contrast to the more solemn and celebratory pieces.
With a duration of just over an hour, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Purcell's versatility and genius. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Royal Welcome Songs for King James II" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The meticulous performances by The Sixteen, combined with the historical significance of the works, make this album a standout in the catalog of Henry Purcell's compositions.
Tracks
Chacony in G Minor, Z.730Henry Purcell, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
When On My Sick Bed I Languish, Z.144Henry Purcell, Jeremy Budd, Mark Dobell, Stuart Young, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Catches: No. 45, True Englishmen Drink a Good Health, Z.284Henry Purcell, Mark Dobell, Jeremy Budd, George Pooley, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: I. SymphonyHenry Purcell, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: II. "Ye Tuneful Muses, Raise Your Heads"Henry Purcell, Ben Davies, Stuart Young, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: III. "This Point of Time Ends All Your Grief"Henry Purcell, Jeremy Budd, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: IV. "In His Just Praise Your Noblest Songs Let Fall"Henry Purcell, Stuart Young, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: V. "Try, Try Ev’ry Strain"Henry Purcell, Jeremy Budd, Mark Dobell, Ben Davies, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: VI. "From the Rattling of Drums and the Trumpet’s Loud Sounds"Henry Purcell, Kirsty Hopkins, Katy Hill, Daniel Collins, Mark Dobell, Jeremy Budd, Ben Davies, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: VII. "With Him He Brings the Partner of His Throne"Henry Purcell, Daniel Collins, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: VIII. "Happy in a Mutual Love"Henry Purcell, Kirsty Hopkins, Katy Hill, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: IX. "Whilst in Music and Verse Our Duty We Show"Henry Purcell, Mark Dobell, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
A New Irish Tune in G Major, Z.646 "Lilliburlero"Henry Purcell, Alastair Ross, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Hymns and Sacred Songs: Canon a 7, God is Gone Up With a Merry Noise, Z.107Henry Purcell, Katy Hill, Kirsty Hopkins, Mark Dobell, Jeremy Budd, George Pooley, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
A New Scotch Tune in G Major, Z.655Henry Purcell, Alastair Ross, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Full Anthem "Save Me, Oh God", Z.51Henry Purcell, Katy Hill, Kirsty Hopkins, Daniel Collins, Jeremy Budd, George Pooley, Ben Davies, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum", Z.335: I. SymphonyHenry Purcell, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
"Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum", Z.335: II. Sound the Trumpet, Beat the DrumHenry Purcell, Daniel Collins, Jeremy Budd, George Pooley, Ben Davies, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum", Z.335: III. Crown the Year, and Crown the DayHenry Purcell, Mark Dobell, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum", Z.335: IV. To Caesar All Hail, Unequall’d in Arms!Henry Purcell, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
"Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum", Z.335: V. Let Caesar and Urania LiveHenry Purcell, Daniel Collins, Jeremy Budd, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum", Z.335: VI. What Greater Bliss Can Fate BestowHenry Purcell, Mark Dobell, Ben Davies, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum", Z.335: VII. While Caesar, Like the Morning StarHenry Purcell, Stuart Young, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum", Z.335: VIII. To Urania and Caesar Delights Without MeasureHenry Purcell, Daniel Collins, Jeremy Budd, Mark Dobell, George Pooley, Ben Davies, Stuart Young, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
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