Immerse yourself in the rich Baroque soundscape of John Blow's "An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell & Other Works," a captivating collection of compositions that showcase the mastery of one of England's most influential composers. Released on Hyperion in 2017, this album offers a comprehensive journey through Blow's diverse musical repertoire, spanning instrumental works and vocal pieces that highlight his intricate melodies and harmonies.
The album opens with "Begin the Song!," a multi-movement work that sets the stage for a musical exploration filled with gentleness and vigor. The Chaconne in G Major and the Ground in G Minor demonstrate Blow's skill in crafting intricate and engaging instrumental pieces. The centerpiece of the album is the poignant "An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell," a tribute to Blow's contemporary and fellow composer, featuring a series of movements that blend sorrow and celebration in a deeply moving manner.
Also included are the lively "The Nymphs of the Wells," a four-movement work that brings a pastoral charm, and the Sonata in A Major, showcasing Blow's ability to create dynamic and expressive instrumental music. The album concludes with "Dread Sir, the Prince of Light," a dramatic and uplifting piece that leaves a lasting impression.
With a duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes, this album is a testament to John Blow's enduring legacy and his significant contributions to the Baroque era. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a rewarding listening experience that highlights the timeless beauty of Blow's compositions.
Begin the Song!: I. OvertureJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Begin the Song!: II. Begin the Song! Your Instruments Advance –John Blow, Arcangelo, Samuel Boden, Jonathan Cohen
Begin the Song!: III. Bring Gentlest Thoughts, That into Language GlideJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Thomas Walker
Begin the Song!: IV. Hark How the Waken'd Strings ResoundJohn Blow, Jonathan Cohen, Samuel Boden, Thomas Walker, Arcangelo
Begin the Song!: V. By Harmony's Entrancing PowerJohn Blow, Thomas Walker, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Begin the Song!: VI. How Dull Were Life, How Hardly Worth Our Care –John Blow, William Gaunt, Zoë Brookshaw, Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo
Begin the Song!: VII. Without the Sweets of MelodyJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Thomas Walker
Begin the Song!: VIII. Music's the Cordial of a Troubled BreastJohn Blow, Callum Thorpe, Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo
Begin the Song!: IX. Come Then, with Tuneful Breath and StringJohn Blow, Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo
Chaconne a 4 in G MajorJohn Blow, Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo
An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell: I. Mark How the Lark and Linnet Sing –John Blow, Thomas Walker, Samuel Boden, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell: II. But in the Close of Night –John Blow, Thomas Walker, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Samuel Boden
An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell: III. So Ceas'd the Rival Crew When Purcell Came –John Blow, Jonathan Cohen, Thomas Walker, Arcangelo
An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell: IV. We Beg Not Hell Our Orpheus to Restore –John Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Thomas Walker
An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell: V. The Power of Harmony Too Well They KnowJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Samuel Boden
An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell: VI. The Heavenly Choir, Who Heard His Notes from High –John Blow, Jonathan Cohen, Arcangelo, Samuel Boden, Thomas Walker
An Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell: VII. Ye Brethren of the Lyre, and Tuneful VoiceJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Samuel Boden, Thomas Walker
Ground in G MinorJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
The Nymphs of the Wells: I. The Nymphs of the Wells, and the Nymphs of the HillsJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Samuel Boden, Thomas Walker
The Nymphs of the Wells: II. But Here Comes a Druid and We Must Retire –John Blow, Jonathan Cohen, Emma Walshe, Arcangelo, Zoë Brookshaw
The Nymphs of the Wells: III. Blest Be This Morn, Blest Be the Hand –John Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Samuel Boden, William Gaunt
The Nymphs of the Wells: IV. We Nymphs of the Founts and We of the MountsJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Sonata in A Major: I. Slow –John Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Sonata in A Major: II. [Untitled] –John Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Sonata in A Major: III. BriskJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Dread Sir, the Prince of Light: I. [Symphony] –John Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Dread Sir, the Prince of Light: II. Dread Sir, the Prince of Light Begins to Rise –John Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Samuel Boden, Thomas Walker, William Gaunt
Dread Sir, the Prince of Light: III. Let No Disloyal Cares His Peace Destroy –John Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Thomas Walker
Dread Sir, the Prince of Light: IV. This Message We BringJohn Blow, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen, Samuel Boden, Thomas Walker, William Gaunt
Vinylscout