Alison Balsom's "Sound the Trumpet - Royal Music of Purcell and Handel" is a captivating exploration of Baroque masterpieces, released in 2012 under Warner Classics. This album showcases the extraordinary talent of Alison Balsom, accompanied by The English Concert and conducted by Trevor Pinnock, delving into the rich musical heritage of George Frideric Handel and Henry Purcell.
The album spans a diverse collection of 35 tracks, blending instrumental pieces and vocal performances, all centered around the heroic era of the Baroque trumpet. Highlights include Handel's "Amadigi di Gaula" and Purcell's arrangements from "King Arthur" and "The Fairy Queen." The album also features a duet with countertenor Iestyn Davies on Handel's "Eternal Source of Light Divine."
With a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 12 minutes, "Sound the Trumpet" offers a comprehensive journey through the intricate compositions of two of the most influential Baroque composers. Alison Balsom's virtuosity shines through in each piece, making this album a testament to her artistry and the enduring appeal of Baroque music. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Handel: Amadigi di Gaula, HWV 11, Act 3: Aria. "Sento la gioia, ch'in sen mi brilla" (Arr. Pinnock for Trumpet and Ensemble)George Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Spotify Commentary: Spoken Audio 2Alison Balsom
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act I: OvertureHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act I: Come If You DareHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act V: SymphonyHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act II: "Shepherd, Shepherd, Leave Decoying"Henry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act V: Round Thy CoastHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act V: Trumpet TuneHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: King Arthur, Z. 628, Act V: Fairest IsleHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Spotify Commentary: Spoken Audio 3Alison Balsom
Handel: Atalanta, HWV 35: Ouverture. Largo - Allegro (Arr. Balsom for Trumpet and Ensemble)George Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Spotify Commentary: Spoken Audio 4Alison Balsom
Handel / Arr. Balsom for Trumpet: Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne, HWV 74: I. Eternal source of light divineGeorge Frideric Handel, Iestyn Davies, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Spotify Commentary: Spoken Audio 5Alison Balsom
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act V: SymphonyHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629: Second Music. RondeauHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act I: First Act Tune. JigHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act V. PreludeHenry Purcell, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act V: ChaconneAlison Balsom, Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Spotify Commentary: Spoken Audio 6Alison Balsom
Purcell: Come Ye Sons of Art, Z. 323 "Ode for Queen Mary's Birthday": No. 2, Aria and Chorus. "Come Ye Sons of Art Away"Henry Purcell, Iestyn Davies, Lestyn Davies, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Spotify Commentary: Spoken Audio 7Alison Balsom
Handel / Arr. Pinnock: Suite in D Major, HWV 341 "Water Piece": I. OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel / Arr. Pinnock: Suite in D Major, HWV 341 "Water Piece": II. Gigue. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel / Arr. Pinnock: Suite in D Major, HWV 341 "Water Piece": III. AirGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel / Arr. Pinnock: Suite in D Major, HWV 341 "Water Piece": IV. BourréeGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel / Arr. Pinnock: Suite in D Major, HWV 341 "Water Piece": V. MarcheGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Spotify Commentary: Spoken Audio 8Alison Balsom
Purcell / Arr. Balsom: The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act V: The Plaint. "O Let Me Ever, Ever Weep"Henry Purcell, Alison Balsom, Lucy Crowe, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Spotify Commentary: Spoken Audio 9 (Sound The Trumpet)Alison Balsom
Handel / Arr. Pinnock & Balsom: Oboe Concerto No. 2a in B-Flat Major, HWV 301: I. AdagioGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel / Arr. Pinnock & Balsom: Oboe Concerto No. 2a in B-Flat Major, HWV 301: II. AllegroGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel / Arr. Pinnock & Balsom: Oboe Concerto No. 2a in B-Flat Major, HWV 301: III. SicilianoGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Handel / Arr. Pinnock & Balsom: Oboe Concerto No. 2a in B-Flat Major, HWV 301: IV. VivaceGeorge Frideric Handel, Alison Balsom, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock