Dive into the rich tapestry of Baroque music with Henry Purcell's "Purcell: Dioclesian Masque & Timon of Athens Masque," a captivating collection of choral and orchestral works that showcase the composer's mastery of the genre. Released in 1994 under the Chandos label, this album spans 57 minutes and features 29 tracks that transport listeners to the opulent world of 17th-century masque performances.
Henry Purcell, one of the most influential English composers of his time, is renowned for his ability to blend dramatic intensity with lyrical beauty. This album presents two of his most notable masques: "Dioclesian" and the masque from "Timon of Athens." Each piece is a testament to Purcell's genius, featuring intricate vocal arrangements and lively instrumental accompaniments that bring the courtly entertainments of his era to life.
The album opens with selections from "Timon of Athens," including a series of enchanting songs and dances that highlight the playful and romantic themes of the masque. The voices of the trebles, altos, tenors, and basses weave together in harmonious dialogue, accompanied by the lively rhythms of the orchestra. The masque from "Dioclesian" follows, offering a more dramatic and celebratory tone with its grand choruses and elaborate dances.
Conducted by Richard Hickox and performed by the esteemed Collegium Musicum 90, this recording benefits from the expertise of renowned artists such as Iestyn Davies. The ensemble's commitment to historical performance practices ensures an authentic and vivid rendition of Purcell's music, making this album a treasure for both classical enthusiasts and those new to the genre.
Whether you're a seasoned fan of Henry Purcell or a curious explorer of Baroque music, "Purcell: Dioclesian Masque & Timon of Athens Masque" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album's meticulous attention to detail and vibrant performances make it a standout in the world of classical music.
1994 Chandos Records1994 Chandos Records
Tracks
Timon of Athens, Masque: Hark how the songsters (Treble I, Treble II)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Iestyn Davies, Christopher de la Hoyde
Timon of Athens, Masque: Love in their little veins (Cupid)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Iestyn Davies
Timon of Athens, Masque: But ah! How much are our delights (Treble I, Treble II, Bass)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Iestyn Davies, Christopher de la Hoyde, Michael George
Timon of Athens, Masque: Hence with your trifling deity (Bass)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Michael George
Timon of Athens, Masque: But over us no griefs prevail (Alto, Tenor, Bass)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Michael George, James Bowman, John Mark Ainsley
Timon of Athens, Masque: Come, come all to me (Cupid)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Iestyn Davies
Timon of Athens, Masque: Who can resist such mighty charms (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Timon of Athens, Masque: Return, revolting rebels (Bacchus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Michael George
Timon of Athens, Masque: The cares of lovers (Cupid)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Iestyn Davies
Timon of Athens, Masque: Love quickly is pall'd (Alto)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, James Bowman
Timon of Athens, Masque: Come let us agree (Cupid, Bacchus, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Iestyn Davies, Michael George, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Timon of Athens, Masque: Come let us agree (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Timon of Athens, Masque: Curtain Tune on a GroundHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Call the nymphs (Cupid, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Catherine Pierard, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Come, come away (Bacchanalian, Silvan)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Michael George, Nathan Berg
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Behold, O mighty'st of Gods (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Paspe. The First EntryHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Oh, the sweet delights of love! (Wood-God I, Wood-God II)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, John Mark Ainsley, Ian Bostridge
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Let monarchs fight (A Fawn, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, John Mark Ainsley, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: The Second Entry. Make room (Bacchus, Bacchanalian I, Bacchanalian II, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Matthew Brook, Michael George, Nathan Berg, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Dance of BacchanalsHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Still I'm wishing (Follower of Cupid)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, James Bowman
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: CanariesHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: The Third Entry. Tell me why (Shepherd, Shepherdess)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Michael George, Catherine Pierard
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: DanceHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: The Fourth Entry. All our days (A Pleasure, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, John Mark Ainsley, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Let us dance (A Pleasure, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, John Mark Ainsley, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: Dance (II)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dioclesian, Z. 627, Masque: The Last Entry. Triumph, triumph victorious Love (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
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