Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Henry Purcell's choral masterpieces with the renowned Choir of King's College, Cambridge. This exquisite collection, released on Warner Classics, showcases the choir's unparalleled artistry and the enduring genius of Purcell, a composer whose works continue to captivate audiences centuries after his time.
Spanning over two hours, this album features 39 meticulously crafted tracks that highlight the rich tapestry of Purcell's compositions. From the somber elegance of "Funeral Sentences" to the jubilant celebration of "Come Ye Sons of Art," each piece is performed with the precision and passion that the Choir of King's College is known for. The album includes a variety of choral works, including odes, anthems, and funeral music, each offering a unique glimpse into Purcell's musical prowess.
The Choir of King's College, a jewel of the British choral tradition, brings a sense of reverence and vitality to these historic pieces. Under the direction of Stephen Cleobury and accompanied by the Academy of Ancient Music, the choir's performance is both technically flawless and deeply expressive. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a profound and enriching listening experience.
"Choir of King's College Sings Purcell" is a testament to the enduring power of Purcell's music and the choir's dedication to preserving and performing these timeless works. The album is a celebration of musical heritage, showcasing the depth and breadth of Purcell's compositions and the choir's unmatched skill. This release is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the beauty and complexity of choral music.
Purcell: March and Canzona for Queen Mary's Funeral, Z. 860: MarchHenry Purcell, Philip Ledger, The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble
Purcell: March and Canzona for Queen Mary's Funeral, Z. 860: CanzonaHenry Purcell, Philip Ledger, The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble
Purcell: Funeral Sentences: Man That Is Born of a Woman, Z. 27Henry Purcell, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Timothy Byram-Wigfield, Robert Chilcott, Jonathan Robarts, Francis Grier, Michael Cockerham
Purcell: Funeral Sentences: In the Midst of Life, Z. 17AHenry Purcell, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Timothy Byram-Wigfield, Robert Chilcott, Jonathan Robarts, Francis Grier, Michael Cockerham
Purcell: Funeral Sentences: Thou Know'st, Lord, Z. 58C (First Verse)Henry Purcell, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Timothy Byram-Wigfield, Robert Chilcott, Jonathan Robarts, Francis Grier, Michael Cockerham
Purcell: March and Canzona for Queen Mary's Funeral, Z. 860: March (Reprise)Henry Purcell, Philip Ledger
Purcell: Funeral Sentences: Thou Know'st, Lord, Z. 58C (Second Verse)Henry Purcell, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, The Philip Jones Brass Ensemble
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 1, SinfoniaHenry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 2a, Ritornello. "Come Ye Sons of Art Away"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Tim Mead
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 2b, Chorus. "Come Ye Sons of Art Away"Henry Purcell, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Academy of Ancient Music, Stephen Cleobury
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 3, Duet. "Sound the Trumpet"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, David Hansen, Tim Mead
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 4, Chorus. "Come Ye Sons of Art Away"Henry Purcell, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Academy of Ancient Music, Stephen Cleobury
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 5, Ritornello. "Strike the Viol"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Tim Mead
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 6a, Aria. "The Day That Such a Blessing Gave"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Jacques Imbrailo
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 6b, Chorus. "The Day That Such a Blessing Gave"Henry Purcell, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Academy of Ancient Music, Stephen Cleobury
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 7, Aria. "Bid the Virtues"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Kate Royal
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 8, Aria. "These Are the Sacred Charms"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Jacques Imbrailo
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 9a, Duet. "See Nature Rejoicing"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Jacques Imbrailo, Kate Royal
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 9b, Chorus. "See Nature Rejoicing"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Purcell: Rejoice in the Lord Alway, Z. 49 "The Bell Anthem"Henry Purcell, Gustav Leonhardt, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, James Bowman, Leonhardt-Consort, Max van Egmond, Nigel Rogers
Purcell: Blow Up the Trumpet in Sion, Z. 10Henry Purcell, Gustav Leonhardt, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, James Bowman, Leonhardt-Consort, Max van Egmond, Nigel Rogers
Purcell: O God, Thou Art My God, Z. 35Henry Purcell, Gustav Leonhardt, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, James Bowman, Leonhardt-Consort, Max van Egmond, Nigel Rogers
Purcell: O God, Thou Hast Cast Us Out, Z. 36Henry Purcell, Gustav Leonhardt, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, James Bowman, Leonhardt-Consort, Max van Egmond, Nigel Rogers
Purcell: My Heart Is Inditing, Z. 30Henry Purcell, Gustav Leonhardt, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, James Bowman, Leonhardt-Consort, Max van Egmond, Nigel Rogers
Purcell: Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences, Z. 50Henry Purcell, Gustav Leonhardt, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, James Bowman, Leonhardt-Consort, Max van Egmond, Nigel Rogers
Purcell: Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem, Z. 46Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 1, SinfoniaHenry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 2, Aria. "Love's Goddess Sure Was Blind This Day"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Tim Mead
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 3, Recitative. "Those Eyes, That Form"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Jacques Imbrailo
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 4, Duet. "Sweetness of Nature and True Wit"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, David Hansen, Tim Mead
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 5, Aria. "Long May She Reign Over This Isle"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Edward Philips
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 6, Aria. "May Her Blest Example Chase"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Tim Mead
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 7, Duet. "Many Such Days May She Behold"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, David Hansen, Tim Mead
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 8, Chorus. "May She to Heaven Late Return"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 9a, Verse. "As Much as We Below Shall Mourn"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, David Hansen, Jacques Imbrailo, Kate Royal, Tim Mead
Purcell: Love's Goddess Sure, Z. 331 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 9b, Chorus. "As Much as We Below Shall Mourn"Henry Purcell, Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Purcell: My Beloved Spake, Z. 28Henry Purcell, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Nicholas Hayes, Robert Chilcott, Gareth Morrell, Francis Grier, Michael Cockerham, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Purcell: Blessed Are They That Fear the Lord, Z. 5Henry Purcell, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Timothy Byram-Wigfield, Peter Castle, Jonathan Robarts, Francis Grier, Michael Cockerham, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Purcell: Hear My Prayer, O Lord, Z. 15Henry Purcell, Philip Ledger, Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Henry Purcell, born in 1659 in Westminster, London, is celebrated as England's greatest composer of the Baroque era. Despite his tragically short life, ending at the age of 36 in 1695, Purcell's prolific output and innovative spirit have left an indelible mark on classical music. Known for his over 100 enchanting songs, the heart-wrenching opera "Dido and Aeneas," and his magical incidental music for "The Fairy Queen," a adaptation of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Purcell's compositions continue to captivate audiences worldwide. His profound influence earned him the title "Orpheus Britannicus" and solidified his status as a pioneer of English music from the Restoration period until the early 20th century. Purcell's musical genius transcends time, making his works essential listening for any classical music enthusiast.