Album Description

Despite only living until the age of 36, Purcell is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable musical geniuses of all time. The Sixteen continues its exploration of his music written for royalty, illuminating two more of Purcell’s Welcome Songs - Swifter, Isis, swifter flow and The summer’s absence unconcerned we bear. In his music for Nathaniel Lee’s tragedy Theodosius we witness the young Purcell displaying his playhouse wares in strokes of astonishing versatility some ten years before he made a serious impact as a master of music for the stage.

Artists

The Sixteen
Harry Christophers

Track Listing

Henry Purcell (1659-95)

1. Catch: God save our sov'reign Charles Z250

WELCOME SONG: Swifter, Isis, swifter flow Z336 
2. Symphony / Swifter, Isis, swifter flow
3. Land him safely on her shore
4. Hark, hark! Just now my listening ears
5. Welcome, dread Sir, to town
6. But with as great devotion meet
7. Your Augusta he charms with no lesser delight
8. The King whose presence like the Spring
9. Then since, Sir, from you all our blessings do flow

10. In nomine Fantasia a 6 Z746

11. Benedictus (John Taverner - from Missa Gloria tibi Trinitas)

12. In nomine Fantasia a 7 Z747

Selections from Theodosius, or The Force of Love Z606

13. Prepare, prepare the rites begin
14. Canst thou, Marina
15. The gate to bliss
16. Hark! Behold the heav'nly choir!
17. Now, now the fight's done
18. Sad as death at dead of night
19. Dream no more of pleasures past!
20. Hail to the myrtle shade
21. Ah! Cruel, bloody fate

22. The Lord is my light Z55

WELCOME SONG: The summer's absence unconcerned we bear Z337
23. Symphony
24. The summer's absence unconcerned we bear
25. And when late from your throne Heaven's call you attend
26. Ah! Had we, Sir, the power of art
27. Happy while all her neighbours bled
28. So happily still you your counsels employ
29. But those no more shall dare repine

Total Running Time:   75.37