Purcell: O Solitude

Henry Purcell, often hailed as one of Europe's greatest song composers before Schubert, presents a captivating collection of his finest vocal works in "Purcell: O Solitude." This album, released in 2003, offers a profound exploration of Purcell's mastery over the English language and his ability to convey a wide range of human experiences through music. Despite his short life, Purcell's compositions span nearly every aspect of his tumultuous era, from joyous celebrations to mournful elegies.

"Purcell: O Solitude" features a selection of 20 tracks, including some of Purcell's most beloved songs and airs. The album opens with the title track, "O Solitude," a poignant setting of Katherine Philips's translation of Antoine Girard de Saint-Amant's poem, "La solitude." This piece sets the tone for the album, showcasing Purcell's ability to capture the essence of a text and translate it into evocative music.

Throughout the album, Purcell's versatility as a composer is on full display. From the lively "If Music Be the Food of Love" to the somber "Sighs for Our Late Sovereign Charles the Second," each track offers a unique glimpse into Purcell's musical genius. The album also includes instrumental pieces, such as the "Air Instrumental (The Indian Queen)" and "Instrumental Interlude," which provide a welcome contrast to the vocal works.

The album's duration of 59 minutes makes it an ideal choice for both casual listeners and Purcell enthusiasts. Whether you're discovering Henry Purcell's music for the first time or revisiting his works, "Purcell: O Solitude" is sure to captivate and inspire.