Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Henry Purcell's choral masterpieces with the album "Purcell: Choral Works." Released in 1981 under the Archiv Produktion label, this collection showcases the enduring brilliance of Purcell's sacred choral compositions, performed with exquisite artistry by the Oxford Christ Church Cathedral Choir and The English Concert, under the direction of Simon Preston.
Spanning a rich duration of 2 hours and 36 minutes, this album is a comprehensive journey through Purcell's sacred choral repertoire. It features a diverse array of works, including the Complete Service in B-Flat, Z. 230, Evening Service in G Minor, Z. 231, and a selection of anthems and sacred songs. Each piece is a testament to Purcell's mastery of choral writing, blending intricate harmonies with profound emotional depth.
The album opens with the radiant "Morning Canticle. Benedicite" from the Complete Service in B-Flat, setting the stage for a spiritual and musical exploration that continues with the triumphant "Te Deum" and the joyous "Jubilate." The Evening Canticles, including the "Magnificat" and "Nunc dimittis," offer moments of reflection and serenity, while the anthems such as "O God, Thou Hast Cast Us Out" and "My Heart Is Inditing" showcase Purcell's ability to convey both devotion and drama.
Notable soloists include the renowned soprano Emma Kirkby, tenor David Thomas, and soprano Judith Nelson, whose voices add a layer of expressive nuance to the choral performances. The album also features the talented organist Francis Grier and the English Concert, providing a rich and resonant backdrop to the choral works.
Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, "Purcell: Choral Works" offers a captivating and enriching listening experience. Purcell's compositions, performed with such skill and passion, continue to resonate with audiences today, making this album a cherished addition to any music collection.
Complete Service in B-Flat, Z. 230: No. 3, Morning Canticle. BenediciteHenry Purcell, Simon Preston, Francis Grier, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Te Deum and Jubilate, Z. 232: Te DeumHenry Purcell, Francis Grier, The English Concert, Simon Preston, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Te Deum and Jubilate, Z. 232: JubilateHenry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Simon Preston, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford, Francis Grier
Complete Service in B-Flat, Z. 230: No. 9, Alternative Evening Canticle. Cantate DominoHenry Purcell, Simon Preston, Francis Grier, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Complete Service in B-Flat, Z. 230: No. 10, Alternative Evening Canticle. Deus misereaturHenry Purcell, Simon Preston, Francis Grier, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Complete Service in B-Flat, Z. 230: No. 7, Evening Canticle. MagnificatHenry Purcell, Simon Preston, Francis Grier, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Complete Service in B-Flat, Z. 230: No. 8, Evening Canticle. Nunc dimittisHenry Purcell, Simon Preston, Francis Grier, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Evening Service in G Minor, Z. 231: I. MagnificatHenry Purcell, Simon Preston, Francis Grier, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Evening Service in G Minor, Z. 231: II. Nunc dimittisHenry Purcell, Simon Preston, Francis Grier, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
O God, Thou Hast Cast Us Out, Z. 36Henry Purcell, Simon Preston, Francis Grier, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
O Lord God of Hosts, Z. 37Henry Purcell, Simon Preston, Francis Grier, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences, Z. 50Henry Purcell, Simon Preston, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Lord, How Long Wilt Thou Be Angry?, Z. 25Henry Purcell, Simon Preston, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
O God, Thou Art My God, Z. 35Henry Purcell, Simon Preston, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Man That Is Born of a Woman, Z. 27Henry Purcell, Simon Preston, Francis Grier, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Thou Knowest, Lord, the Secrets of Our Hearts, Z. 58cHenry Purcell, Simon Preston, Francis Grier, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Jehova, quam multi sunt hostes mei, Z. 135Henry Purcell, Simon Preston, Francis Grier, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
My Heart Is Inditing, Z. 30: I. My Heart Is Inditing – II. She Shall Be Brought unto the King – III. Hearken, O DaughterHenry Purcell, The English Concert, Simon Preston, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
O Sing Unto the Lord a New Song, Z. 44Henry Purcell, David Thomas, The English Concert, Simon Preston, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
My Beloved Spake, Z. 28: I. My Beloved Spake – II. For Lo! – III. And the Time – IV. The Fig Tree – V. My Beloved Is MineHenry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Simon Preston, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships, Z. 57Henry Purcell, Matthew Bright, David Thomas, The English Concert, Simon Preston, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem, Z. 46: I. Symphony – II. Praise the Lord – III. Be Thou Exalted, LordHenry Purcell, The English Concert, Simon Preston, Christ Church Cathedral Choir, Oxford
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