Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of English Baroque music with Henry Purcell's "England, My England. The Story of Henry Purcell." Released in 1995 under the Warner Classics label, this album is a comprehensive journey through the works of one of England's most celebrated composers. Spanning a little over an hour and fifteen minutes, the album is a blend of classical and choral genres, showcasing Purcell's mastery and versatility.
The tracklist is a testament to Purcell's prolific career, featuring excerpts from his operas, odes, and other vocal works. From the lively "Trumpet Sonata in D Major" to the poignant "Dido's Lament" from "Dido and Aeneas," the album offers a diverse range of pieces that highlight Purcell's ability to evoke a wide spectrum of emotions. The inclusion of pieces from "King Arthur" provides a substantial portion of the album, offering a deeper dive into one of Purcell's most notable works.
This album is not just a collection of tracks but a narrative that tells the story of Henry Purcell and his significant contributions to English music. It's a perfect introduction for those new to Purcell's music and a delightful revisit for those already familiar with his work. The choral and instrumental pieces are performed with precision and passion, bringing Purcell's compositions to life in a way that is both authentic and engaging. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "England, My England. The Story of Henry Purcell" is an album that promises a rewarding listening experience.
Purcell: Trumpet Sonata in D Major, Z. 850: I. AllegroHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, David Blackadder, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: Trumpet Sonata in D Major, Z. 850: II. AdagioHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: Trumpet Sonata in D Major, Z. 850: III. AllegroHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, David Blackadder, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: The Married Beau, Z. 603: OvertureHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
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, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, Michael Chance
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 3, Duet. "Sound the Trumpet"Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Michael Chance, James Bowman, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: Saul and the Witch of Endor, Z. 134: Trio. "In Guilty Night"Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Jennifer Smith, Paul Agnew, David Thomas, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: The Indian Queen, Z. 630, Act III: MinuetHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act V: Song. "Fairest Isle"Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Lynne Dawson, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: Upon a Quiet Conscience, Z. 184: "Close Thine Eyes and Sleep Secure"Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Lynne Dawson, Peter Harvey, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III: Recitative. "Thy Hand, Belinda" - Song. "When I Am Laid in Earth" (Dido)Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Susan Graham, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: March and Canzona for Queen Mary's Funeral, Z. 860: MarchHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: Funeral Sentences: Man That Is Born of a Woman, Z. 27Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: March and Canzona for Queen Mary's Funeral, Z. 860: CanzonaHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: Funeral Sentences: In the Midst of Life, Z. 17AHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: Funeral Sentences: Thou Know'st, Lord, Z. 58CHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: Abdelazer, Z. 570: II. RondeauHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act III: PreludeHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act I: Song and Chorus. "Come If You Dare" - First Act TuneHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Paul Agnew, English Baroque Soloists, The Monteverdi Choir
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act III: Song. "What Ho! Thou Genius of This Isle"Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Nancy Argenta, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act III: Prelude While Cold Genius Rises - Frost Scene. "What Power Art Thou"Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Stephen Varcoe, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act III: Song. "Thou Doting Fool"Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Nancy Argenta, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act III: Song. "Great Love, I Know Thee Now"Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Stephen Varcoe, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act III: Song. "No Part of My Dominion"Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Nancy Argenta, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act III: Prelude (Reprise)Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act III: Chorus. "See, See, We Assemble"Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act III: Song and Chorus. "Tis Love That Has Warm'd Us"Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Nancy Argenta, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act III: Duet. "Sound a Parley" - Ritornello - Chorus. "Tis Love That Has Warm'd Us"Henry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, Nancy Argenta, Stephen Varcoe, The Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists
Purcell: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act III: Third Act Tune. HornpipeHenry Purcell, John Eliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists