COMPOSERS: Purcell
LABELS: Hyperion
WORKS: The Complete Anthems and Services, Vol 8 & Vol 9
PERFORMER: Soloists, The King’s Consort & Choir/ Robert King
CATALOGUE NO: CDA 66686, 66693 DDD
As this magnificent project nears completion, all the original exuberance remains. Notwithstanding some changes – boys are now selected from eight leading choirs; strings are one-to-a-part, and more astringent; nature has taken her yearly toll of solo trebles – but clever programming still provides a jewel in each disc. Outstanding here is In Guilty Night (Vol. 9), the dramatic scena of Saul’s visit to the Witch of Endor, closing with the chilling prophecy of his own doom. George Pratt
Purcell: The Complete Anthems and Services, Vol 8 & Vol 9
As this magnificent project nears completion, all the original exuberance remains. Notwithstanding some changes – boys are now selected from eight leading choirs; strings are one-to-a-part, and more astringent; nature has taken her yearly toll of solo trebles – but clever programming still provides a jewel in each disc. Outstanding here is In Guilty Night (Vol. 9), the dramatic scena of Saul’s visit to the Witch of Endor, closing with the chilling prophecy of his own doom. George Pratt
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:32 pm