Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Baroque music with Henry Purcell's "Purcell: Dioclesian Masque & Timon of Athens Masque." This captivating album, released in May 1994, showcases the genius of one of England's most celebrated composers, Henry Purcell. The album features a rich tapestry of choral and orchestral works, meticulously performed and recorded in September 1993.
The album is a stunning collection of masques from Purcell's semi-opera "Dioclesian" and his play "Timon of Athens." These masques, or elaborate court entertainments, are a testament to Purcell's mastery of vocal and instrumental composition. The album opens with the enchanting "Timon of Athens" masques, featuring solo trebles and a chorus that weave together in harmonious splendor. The "Dioclesian" masques follow, offering a lively and dynamic contrast with their lively dances and choral pieces.
Notable tracks include the delicate "Hark how the songsters" duet and the triumphant "Triumph, triumph victorious Love" chorus. The album also features a variety of instrumental pieces, such as the "Curtain Tune on a Ground" and the lively "Dance of Bacchanals," providing a comprehensive overview of Purcell's versatility and innovation.
The solo trebles, Christopher de la Hoyde and Iestyn Davies, deliver breathtaking performances that highlight Purcell's intricate vocal writing. The album is conducted by Richard Hickox, ensuring a faithful and vibrant interpretation of Purcell's score. With a duration of 57 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to Purcell's choral and orchestral works, offering a blend of vocal virtuosity and orchestral brilliance.
1994 Chandos Records1994 Chandos Records
Tracks
Timon of Athens, Masque: Hark how the songsters (Treble I, Treble II)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Iestyn Davies, Christopher de la Hoyde
Timon of Athens, Masque: Love in their little veins (Cupid)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Iestyn Davies
Timon of Athens, Masque: But ah! How much are our delights (Treble I, Treble II, Bass)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Iestyn Davies, Christopher de la Hoyde, Michael George
Timon of Athens, Masque: Hence with your trifling deity (Bass)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Michael George
Timon of Athens, Masque: But over us no griefs prevail (Alto, Tenor, Bass)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Michael George, James Bowman, John Mark Ainsley
Timon of Athens, Masque: Come, come all to me (Cupid)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Iestyn Davies
Timon of Athens, Masque: Who can resist such mighty charms (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Timon of Athens, Masque: Return, revolting rebels (Bacchus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Michael George
Timon of Athens, Masque: The cares of lovers (Cupid)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Iestyn Davies
Timon of Athens, Masque: Love quickly is pall'd (Alto)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, James Bowman
Timon of Athens, Masque: Come let us agree (Cupid, Bacchus, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Iestyn Davies, Michael George, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Timon of Athens, Masque: Come let us agree (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Timon of Athens, Masque: Curtain Tune on a GroundHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Call the nymphs (Cupid, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Catherine Pierard, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Come, come away (Bacchanalian, Silvan)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Michael George, Nathan Berg
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Behold, O mighty'st of Gods (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Paspe. The First EntryHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Oh, the sweet delights of love! (Wood-God I, Wood-God II)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, John Mark Ainsley, Ian Bostridge
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Let monarchs fight (A Fawn, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, John Mark Ainsley, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: The Second Entry. Make room (Bacchus, Bacchanalian I, Bacchanalian II, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Matthew Brook, Michael George, Nathan Berg, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Dance of BacchanalsHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Still I'm wishing (Follower of Cupid)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, James Bowman
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: CanariesHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: The Third Entry. Tell me why (Shepherd, Shepherdess)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Michael George, Catherine Pierard
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: DanceHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: 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, Masque: Let us dance (A Pleasure, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, John Mark Ainsley, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Dance (II)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: The Last Entry. Triumph, triumph victorious Love (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
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
