Immerse yourself in the rich musical tapestry of early 18th-century London with Philippa Hyde and The Parley of Instruments' captivating album, "Musical London, from Purcell to Handel." Released in 2011 under the esteemed Chandos label, this collection offers a meticulously curated journey through the works of two titans of English Baroque music: Henry Purcell and George Frideric Handel.
Spanning a generous 75 minutes, the album features 39 tracks that showcase the exquisite vocal and instrumental prowess of Philippa Hyde, accompanied by the period-instrument ensemble The Parley of Instruments, led by conductor Peter Holman. The diverse repertoire includes sonatas, suites, and arias, highlighting the evolution of musical styles during this transformative period.
From the hauntingly beautiful "Tell me, some pitying angel" by Purcell to the vibrant and dramatic arias from Handel's "Venus and Adonis," the album presents a compelling narrative of musical innovation and cultural exchange. The performances are marked by their authenticity and expressive depth, bringing to life the intricate compositions with clarity and passion.
Philippa Hyde's voice, with its rich timbre and remarkable agility, is a standout feature, effortlessly navigating the complexities of both Purcell's and Handel's works. The Parley of Instruments provide a robust and nuanced backdrop, their mastery of period performance practices lending an air of historical authenticity to the recordings.
Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a curious newcomer, "Musical London, from Purcell to Handel" offers a rewarding and enlightening listening experience. The album is a testament to the enduring appeal of these masterpieces and a celebration of the vibrant musical landscape of London in the early 1700s.
2011 Chandos Records2011 Chandos Records
Tracks
Romulus and Hersilia: Where art thou, God of Dreams?Giovanni Battista Draghi, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde
Trio Sonata in G Minor: I. AdagioGiovanni Battista Draghi, The Parley of Instruments
Trio Sonata in G Minor: II. Canzona. Allegro - Adagio - PrestoGiovanni Battista Draghi, The Parley of Instruments
Trio Sonata in G Minor: III. AdagioGiovanni Battista Draghi, The Parley of Instruments
Trio Sonata in G Minor: IV. MinuetGiovanni Battista Draghi, The Parley of Instruments
Trio Sonata in G Minor: V. Vivace - AdagioGiovanni Battista Draghi, The Parley of Instruments
Tell me, some pitying angel, Z. 196Henry Purcell, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde
Creep softly, purling streamsRaphael Courteville, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde
Suite in D Minor: I. Preludio. PrestissimoRaphael Courteville, The Parley of Instruments
Suite in D Minor: II. Fuga in fantasia. PrestoRaphael Courteville, The Parley of Instruments
Suite in D Minor: III. Grave. AdagioRaphael Courteville, The Parley of Instruments
Suite in D Minor: IV. Ground per fa la mano. AllegroRaphael Courteville, The Parley of Instruments
For rural and sincerer joys: I. Overture. Grave - AllegroWilliam Croft, The Parley of Instruments
For rural and sincerer joys: II. Recitative. For rural and sincerer joysWilliam Croft, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde
For rural and sincerer joys: III. Air. Damon, for song and fight renown'dWilliam Croft, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde
For rural and sincerer joys: IV. Ground. His arms and voice o'er all prevailWilliam Croft, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde
Suite in D Minor: I. Overture. Slow - BriskJohn Weldon, The Parley of Instruments
Suite in D Minor: II. MinuetJohn Weldon, The Parley of Instruments
Suite in D Minor: III. Almain. SlowJohn Weldon, The Parley of Instruments
Suite in D Minor: IV. CourantJohn Weldon, The Parley of Instruments
Suite in D Minor: V. Two in one on a groundJohn Weldon, The Parley of Instruments
Venus and Adonis, HWV 85: I. Recitative. Behold, where weeping Venus stands!George Frideric Handel, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde
Venus and Adonis, HWV 85: II. Aria. Dear Adonis, beauty's treasureGeorge Frideric Handel, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde
Venus and Adonis, HWV 85: III. Recitative. Thus, queen of beautyGeorge Frideric Handel, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde
Venus and Adonis, HWV 85: IV. Aria. Transporting joyGeorge Frideric Handel, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde
Sonata for Two Violins in D Major, "Smallcoal": I. VivaceJohann Christoph Pepusch, The Parley of Instruments
Sonata for Two Violins in D Major, "Smallcoal": II. AdagioJohann Christoph Pepusch, The Parley of Instruments
Sonata for Two Violins in D Major, "Smallcoal": III. AllegroJohann Christoph Pepusch, The Parley of Instruments
Sonata for Two Violins in D Major, "Smallcoal": IV. AdagioJohann Christoph Pepusch, The Parley of Instruments
Sonata for Two Violins in D Major, "Smallcoal": V. PrestoJohann Christoph Pepusch, The Parley of Instruments
Have mercy upon me, O God: I. Sonata. Largo - AndanteNicola Francesco Haym, The Parley of Instruments
Have mercy upon me, O God: II. Recitative. Have mercy upon me, O GodNicola Francesco Haym, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde
Have mercy upon me, O God: III. Aria. Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness. LargoNicola Francesco Haym, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde
Have mercy upon me, O God: IV. Recitative. Against thee only have I sinnedNicola Francesco Haym, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde
Have mercy upon me, O God: V. Aria. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity. AndanteNicola Francesco Haym, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde
Have mercy upon me, O God: VI. Aria. Thou shalt purge me with hyssop. VivaceNicola Francesco Haym, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde
Have mercy upon me, O God: VII. Aria. Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness. AllegroNicola Francesco Haym, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde
Have mercy upon me, O God: VIII. Aria. Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord. AndanteNicola Francesco Haym, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde
Have mercy upon me, O God: IX. Aria. Alleluia. AllegroNicola Francesco Haym, The Parley of Instruments, Philippa Hyde