Release Date: 01 November 2011
Label: Helios / Hyperion Records Ltd
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 034571153278
Composer/Series: Hail! Bright Cecilia/Who
Description
The last, and greatest, of Purcell’s four Odes to St Cecilia, Hail! bright Cecilia was composed to a text by Nicholas Brady in 1692 in honour of the feast day of Saint Cecilia, patron saint of musicians. It is a celebratory work comprised of masterful instrumental sections, majestic choruses, and varied solos, duets and trios. Dating from 1695, Who can from joy refrain? was composed as an ode celebrating the Duke of Gloucester’s sixth birthday. Both these works reveal the unparalleled richness of the composer’s musical invention and explain why, more than three hundred years later, Henry Purcell is still regarded as one of Britain’s finest composers.
The King’s Consort and a distinguished line-up of soloists perform this glorious music, originally issued as Volume 2 in The Complete Odes & Welcome Songs series, with a high measure of perfection and flawless technique.
Tracklisting
Gidon Kremer, Kremerata Baltica
Laurence Perkins
Takacs Quartet, Marc-Andre Hamelin
English National Opera Orchestra / Martyn Brabbins
The Gesualdo Six / Owain Park
Steven Osborne
Stephen Hough, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra / Sakari Oramo
Steven Isserlis, Philharmonia Orchestra / Paavo Jarvi
H. Purcell
