Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Baroque music with Henry Purcell's "King Arthur, 1691," a stunning recording by the Gabrieli Consort and Players under the direction of Paul McCreesh. Released on Signum Records, this two-disc set captures the theatrical brilliance of Purcell's seminal work, originally composed for the stage. The album spans a generous 97 minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through Purcell's masterful composition.
This studio recording is a testament to the vibrant energy and dramatic flair of Purcell's score, brought to life with meticulous attention to detail. The Gabrieli Consort and Players deliver a performance that is both historically informed and vividly engaging, making it a standout in the world of classical and choral music. The album features a diverse array of vocal and instrumental pieces, from stirring choruses and elegant arias to lively dances and haunting solos.
The tracklist includes a mix of well-known and lesser-heard gems, such as the enchanting "Aire" from "Amphitryon," the lively "Hornpipe," and the dramatic "Chaconne." Each piece is performed with a sense of drama and musicality that brings the story of King Arthur to life, showcasing Purcell's genius for blending words and music.
"King Arthur, 1691" is not just a recording; it's an experience that transports you to the world of 17th-century English opera. The album's high-quality production, available in various formats including Studio Master FLAC & ALAC downloads, ensures that every nuance of Purcell's score is captured with clarity and depth. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Baroque music or a newcomer to the genre, this recording offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
(C) 2019 Winged Lion
Tracks
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition): Aire (from Amphitryon, Z. 572)Henry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition): Minuet (from Amphitryon, Z. 572)Henry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition): Hornpipe (from Amphitryon, Z. 572)Henry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition): Scotch Tune (from Amphitryon, Z. 572)Henry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition): OvertureHenry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition): AireHenry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act I: Verse & Chorus – Woden, First to Thee / We Have Sacrific’d (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Ashley Riches, James Way, Roderick Williams, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act I: Verse & Chorus – The White Horse Neigh’d Aloud / To Woden Thanks We Render (Chorus)Henry Purcell, James Way, Jeremy Budd, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act I: Verse & Chorus – The Lot Is Cast / Brave Souls (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Mhairi Lawson, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act I: Song & Chorus – I Call You All to Woden’s Hall (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Jeremy Budd, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act I: Prelude, Song & Chorus – Come If You Dare, Our Trumpets Sound (Chorus)Henry Purcell, James Way, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act II: Prelude – AireHenry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act II: Song & Chorus – Hither This Way (Philadel)Henry Purcell, Carolyn Sampson, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act II: Song – Let Not a Moonborn Elf Mislead Ye (Grimbald)Henry Purcell, Roderick Williams, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act II: Chorus – Hither This Way (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act II: Verse & Chorus – Come Follow Me (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Carolyn Sampson, Anna Dennis, Ashley Riches, Rowan Pierce, Mhairi Lawson, Jeremy Budd, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act II: Prelude, Song & Chorus – How Blest Are Shepherds (Shepherd)Henry Purcell, James Way, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act II: Prelude & Song – Shepherd, Shepherd, Leave Decoying (Two Shepherdesses)Henry Purcell, Mhairi Lawson, Anna Dennis, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act II: Chorus & Dance – Come, Shepherds, Lead up a Lively Measure (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act II: Second Act Tune – Rondeau (From Distress’d Innocency, Z. 577)Henry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act III: Prelude & Verse – What Ho, Thou Genius of This Isle! (Cupid)Henry Purcell, Rowan Pierce, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act III: Prelude & Song – What Power Art Thou (Cold Genius)Henry Purcell, Ashley Riches, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act III: Song – Thou Doting Fool, Forbear (Cupid)Henry Purcell, Rowan Pierce, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act III: Song – Great Love, I Know Thee Now (Cold Genius)Henry Purcell, Ashley Riches, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act III: Verse – No Part of My Dominion Shall Be Waste (Cupid)Henry Purcell, Rowan Pierce, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act III: Chorus & Dance – See, See, We Assemble (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act III: Prelude, Song & Chorus – ’Tis I That Have Warm’d Ye / ’Tis Love That Has Warm’d Us (Cupid)Henry Purcell, Rowan Pierce, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act III: Song – Sound a Parley (Cupid & Cold Genius)Henry Purcell, Rowan Pierce, Ashley Riches, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act III: Chorus – ’Tis Love That Has Warm’d Us (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act III: Third Act Tune – AireHenry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act IV: Soft Music – Aire (from Bonduca, Z. 574)Henry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act IV: Song – Two Daughters of This Aged Stream Are We (Two Sirens)Henry Purcell, Carolyn Sampson, Anna Dennis, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act IV: Passacaglia – How Happy the Lover / For Love Every Creature (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Jeremy Budd, Carolyn Sampson, Roderick Williams, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act IV: Song by Mr. Howe – You Say, ’Tis Love Creates the Pain (He & She)Henry Purcell, Carolyn Sampson, Roderick Williams, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act IV: Fourth Act Tune – HornpipeHenry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act V: Prelude – Rondeau (From The Old Bachelor, Z. 607)Henry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act V: Prelude & Song – Ye Blust’Ring Brethren / Serene and Calm (Aeolus)Henry Purcell, Roderick Williams, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act V: Soft TuneHenry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act V: Prelude, Song & Chorus – Round Thy Coasts (Nereid)Henry Purcell, Mhairi Lawson, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act V: Song – For Folded Flocks (Three Shepherds)Henry Purcell, Jeremy Budd, James Way, Ashley Riches, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act V: Song & Dance – Your Hay It Is Mow’d (Comus & Peasants)Henry Purcell, Roderick Williams, Ashley Riches, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act V: Prelude & Song – Fairest Isle (Venus)Henry Purcell, Carolyn Sampson, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act V: Tune for Trumpets (after Dioclesian, Z. 627)Henry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act V: New Song & Chorus for Britannia & St George – Sound Heroes, Your Brazen Trumpets Sound! / Let All Rehearse (Fame)Henry Purcell, Jeremy Budd, Paul McCreesh
King Arthur, Z. 628 (Suckling/McCreesh Edition), Act V: Grand Dance – ChaconneHenry Purcell, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh