Immerse yourself in the rich, baroque world of Henry Purcell with this comprehensive recording of his semi-opera "Dioclesian." Composed in 1690, this tragicomic masterpiece showcases Purcell's genius for blending dramatic narrative with exquisite music, making it a cornerstone of English Baroque opera. This album, released by Chandos in 1994, presents the complete work, allowing you to experience the full scope of Purcell's theatrical vision.
"Dioclesian" is based on a libretto by Thomas Betterton, which in turn draws from a play by John Fletcher and Philip Massinger. The story, loosely based on the life of the Emperor Diocletian, unfolds over five acts, each filled with a variety of musical numbers that range from stirring overtures and symphonies to delicate arias and lively dances. The album features a stellar cast of vocalists and the renowned King's Consort, conducted by Robert King, who bring Purcell's score to life with precision and passion.
In addition to the complete "Dioclesian," this album also includes selections from Purcell's incidental music for "Timon of Athens." These pieces offer a glimpse into the composer's versatility and his ability to create evocative music for the stage. From the playful "Duet 'Hark how the songsters'" to the dramatic "Chorus 'Who can resist such mighty charms,'" these selections complement the main work beautifully.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 47 minutes, this album is a substantial and rewarding listen. Whether you are a seasoned fan of Purcell's music or a newcomer to the Baroque era, this recording of "Dioclesian" is sure to captivate and inspire. The meticulous performance and high-quality recording ensure that every nuance of Purcell's composition is brought to the forefront, providing an authentic and immersive listening experience.
1995 Chandos Records1995 Chandos Records
Tracks
Dioclesian, Z. 627: First MusickHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627: Second MusickHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627: OvertureHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act I: First Act Tune (Hornpipe)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act II: Song "Great Diocles the Boar has kill'd" (Bass) - Chorus "Sing Iô's!"Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Michael George, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act II: Song "Charon the peaceful Shade invites" (Soprano)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Catherine Pierard
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act II: Symphony for Trumpets and ViolinsHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act II: Duet - Chorus. "Let all mankind the pleasure share" (Soprano, Bass, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Catherine Pierard, Michael George, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir, Mark Padmore, Ian Bostridge
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act II: Martial Song "Let the soldiers rejoice" (Tenor)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, John Mark Ainsley, Mark Padmore, Michael George
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act II: A Symphony of FlutesHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, James Bowman
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act II: Dance of FuriesHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act II: Second Act TuneHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act III: Two in one upon a Ground. Chaconne for FlutesHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act III: The Chair DanceHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act III: Prelude for Hautboys, Song "What shall I do?" (Tenor)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, John Mark Ainsley
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act III: Third Act TuneHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act IV: Butterfly DanceHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act IV: Tune for TrumpetsHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act IV: Song "Sound, Fame, thy brazen trumpet sound" (Tenor)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, John Mark Ainsley
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act IV: Chorus "Let all rehearse"Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act IV: Fourth Act TuneHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: Country DanceHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: Call the nymphs (Cupid, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Catherine Pierard, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: Duet "Come, come away" (a Baccanalian & a Silvan)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Michael George, Nathan Berg
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: Chorus "Behold, O mighty'st of Gods"Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: Paspe (The first entry of heroes on the stage)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: Duet "Oh, the sweet delights of love!" (two Wood-Gods)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, John Mark Ainsley, Ian Bostridge
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: Let monarchs fight (A Fawn, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, John Mark Ainsley, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: (The second entry) Make room (Two Bacchanals, Bacchus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Michael George, Nathan Berg, Matthew Brook
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: Dance of BacchanalsHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: Still I'm wishing (Follower of Cupid)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, James Bowman
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: CanariesHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: (The third entry) Tell me why (Shepherd & Shepherdesses)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Michael George, Catherine Pierard
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: DanceHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: (The fourth entry) All our days (A Pleasure & Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, John Mark Ainsley, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: Chorus "Let us dance"Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, John Mark Ainsley, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: Dance IIHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Act V: (The last entry) Triumph, triumph victorious Love (Trio & Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Appendicies: Song "Since from me dear Astrea's sight" (Soprano)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Catherine Pierard
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Appendicies: Song "When first I saw" (Tenor)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, John Mark Ainsley
Timon of Athens: Duet "Hark how the songsters"Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Timon of Athens: Love in their little veins (Cupid)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Iestyn Davies
Timon of Athens: Trio "But ah! How much are our delights"Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Timon of Athens: Hence with your trifling deity (Bass solo)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Michael George
Timon of Athens: Trio "But over us no griefs prevail"Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Timon of Athens: Come, come all to me (Cupid)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Iestyn Davies
Timon of Athens: Chorus "Who can resist such mighty charms"Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Timon of Athens: Return, revolting rebels (Bacchus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Michael George
Timon of Athens: The cares of lovers (Cupid)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Iestyn Davies
Timon of Athens: Love quickly is pall'd (Alto solo)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, James Bowman
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.
Vinylscout
Henry Purcell
