Alison Balsom's "Kings & Queens" is a captivating journey through the baroque era, showcasing her exceptional skill on the trumpet and her deep connection with the music of Handel and Purcell. Released on October 1, 2012, under Warner Classics, this classical album spans a concise yet engaging 66 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of arias, overtures, and symphonies.
The album is a testament to Balsom's versatility and artistry, featuring arrangements by herself and renowned conductor Trevor Pinnock. It opens with Handel's vibrant "Amadigi di Gaula" and Purcell's enchanting "King Arthur," seamlessly blending arias and instrumental pieces. Balsom's rendition of Handel's "Overture" from "Atalanta" and Purcell's "Shepherd, Shepherd, Leave Decoying" highlights her ability to infuse each piece with a unique blend of power and delicacy.
"Kings & Queens" also includes a selection of pieces from Purcell's "The Fairy Queen," demonstrating Balsom's prowess in both solo and ensemble performances. The album concludes with Handel's "Oboe Concerto No. 2a in B-Flat Major," arranged for trumpet, showcasing Balsom's dynamic range and technical brilliance.
Throughout the album, Balsom's interpretations are both historically informed and fresh, making "Kings & Queens" a standout addition to any classical music collection. Her collaboration with the English Concert, led by Pinnock, ensures an authentic and immersive listening experience. Whether you're a long-time fan of baroque music or a newcomer to the genre, Alison Balsom's "Kings & Queens" promises a memorable and enriching musical journey.
Tracks
Handel: Amadigi di Gaula, HWV 11, Act 3: Aria. "Sento la gioia, ch'in sen mi brilla" (Arr. Pinnock for Trumpet and Ensemble)George Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act I: OvertureHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act I: Come If You DareHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act V: SymphonyHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act II: "Shepherd, Shepherd, Leave Decoying"Henry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act V: Round Thy CoastHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act V: Trumpet TuneHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act V: Fairest IsleHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel: Atalanta, HWV 35: Ouverture. Largo - Allegro (Arr. Balsom for Trumpet and Ensemble)George Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel / Arr. Balsom for Trumpet: Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne, HWV 74: I. Eternal source of light divineGeorge Frideric Handel, Iestyn Davies, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act V: SymphonyHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629: Second Music. RondeauHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act I: First Act Tune. JigHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act V. PreludeHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act V: ChaconneAlison Balsom, Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 2, Aria and Chorus. "Come Ye Sons of Art Away"Henry Purcell, Iestyn Davies, Lestyn Davies, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel / Arr. Pinnock: Suite in D Major, HWV 341 "Water Piece": I. OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel / Arr. Pinnock: Suite in D Major, HWV 341 "Water Piece": II. Gigue. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel / Arr. Pinnock: Suite in D Major, HWV 341 "Water Piece": III. AirGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel / Arr. Pinnock: Suite in D Major, HWV 341 "Water Piece": IV. BourréeGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel / Arr. Pinnock: Suite in D Major, HWV 341 "Water Piece": V. MarcheGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act V: The Plaint. "O Let Me Ever, Ever Weep"Henry Purcell, Alison Balsom, Lucy Crowe, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel / Arr. Pinnock & Balsom: Oboe Concerto No. 2a in B-Flat Major, HWV 301: I. AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel / Arr. Pinnock & Balsom: Oboe Concerto No. 2a in B-Flat Major, HWV 301: II. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel / Arr. Pinnock & Balsom: Oboe Concerto No. 2a in B-Flat Major, HWV 301: III. SicilianoGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel / Arr. Pinnock & Balsom: Oboe Concerto No. 2a in B-Flat Major, HWV 301: IV. VivaceGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
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