Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Henry Purcell's "Songs and Airs," a captivating collection of his most renowned vocal works. Released on June 5, 2001, under Warner Classics, this album is a testament to Purcell's enduring legacy in the world of classical and choral music. Spanning a generous 2 hours and 32 minutes, this compilation offers a comprehensive journey through Purcell's diverse compositions, showcasing his unparalleled ability to blend emotion, drama, and musical innovation.
The album features a rich tapestry of songs and arias drawn from Purcell's operatic and dramatic works, including excerpts from "Dido and Aeneas," "The Fairy Queen," and "King Arthur," among others. Each piece is a masterclass in baroque composition, highlighting Purcell's intricate melodies and profound lyrical depth. The tracklist is a veritable feast for the ears, with standout tracks like "O Solitude, My Sweetest Choice," "Fairest Isle," and the hauntingly beautiful "When I Am Laid in Earth" (Dido's Lament) from "Dido and Aeneas."
Purcell's music, characterized by its expressive range and technical brilliance, continues to resonate with audiences today. "Songs and Airs" is not just a collection of individual pieces but a cohesive exploration of Purcell's artistic vision. The album's choral and vocal arrangements are brought to life with exquisite precision, offering a listening experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Songs and Airs" provides a compelling introduction to the genius of Henry Purcell. This album is a celebration of his enduring influence and a reminder of the timeless beauty of his music.
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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