Dive into the enchanting world of Baroque music with Iestyn Davies' captivating album "Arise, My Muse - Wigmore Hall Live." Recorded on February 10, 2014, at the prestigious Wigmore Hall and released under the Wigmore Hall Live label, this album is a treasure trove of operatic and choral masterpieces. Spanning a rich 71 minutes, the album showcases Davies' remarkable vocal prowess and versatility, as he navigates through a diverse collection of works by the incomparable Henry Purcell.
The tracklist is a journey through Purcell's compositions, featuring a blend of odes, songs, and instrumental pieces. Highlights include the lively "Arise, My Muse" and the serene "O Solitude, My Sweetest Choice!" from the semi-opera "King Arthur." The album also features excerpts from "Venus and Adonis," including the lively "Overture" and the delicate "A Dance of Cupids." Davies' interpretation of these pieces is both nuanced and powerful, offering a fresh perspective on these timeless works.
Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a newcomer eager to explore the genre, "Arise, My Muse - Wigmore Hall Live" is an album that promises to delight and inspire. Iestyn Davies' performance is a testament to his artistry, making this album a standout addition to any music collection.
(C) 2014 Wigmore Hall Live
Tracks
Ode for Queen Maryās Birthday, Z. 320: No. 2, Arise, My MuseHenry Purcell, Iestyn Davies, Richard Egarr, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, Stephen Pedder, Julia Kuhn, Mark Levy, William Carter
Come Ye Sons of Art, Away, Z. 323: No. 4, Strike the ViolHenry Purcell, Iestyn Davies, Richard Egarr, Pamela Thorby, Tabea Debus, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, Stephen Pedder, Julia Kuhn, Mark Levy, William Carter
Welcome To All the Pleasures, Z. 339: No. 3, Here the Deities ApproveHenry Purcell, Iestyn Davies, Richard Egarr, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, Stephen Pedder, Julia Kuhn, Mark Levy, William Carter
Yorkshire Feast Song, Z. 333: No. 4, The Pale and the Purple RoseHenry Purcell, Iestyn Davies, Richard Egarr, Pamela Thorby, Tabea Debus, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, Stephen Pedder, Julia Kuhn, William Carter
Sonata XXIGiovanni Gabrieli, Richard Egarr, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, Stephen Pedder, Julia Kuhn, Mark Levy
BHail! bright Cecilia, Z. 328: No. 4, āTis Natureās VoiceHenry Purcell, Iestyn Davies, Richard Egarr, Mark Levy, William Carter
Celebrate This Festival, Z. 321: No. 6, Crown the AltarHenry Purcell, Iestyn Davies, Richard Egarr, William Carter
If Music Be the Food of Love (1st setting), Z. 379Henry Purcell, Iestyn Davies, Richard Egarr, Mark Levy, William Carter
Fantasia, Three Parts On a Ground, Z. 731Henry Purcell, Richard Egarr, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, Stephen Pedder, Julia Kuhn, Mark Levy, William Carter
Come, Come Along For a Dance and a Song: The Glory of the Arcadian GrovesJeremiah Clarke, Iestyn Davies, Richard Egarr, Pamela Thorby, Tabea Debus, Mark Levy, William Carter
Amphion Anglicus: Poor Celadon, He sighs In Vain (Loving Above Himself)John Blow, Iestyn Davies, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, Stephen Pedder, Mark Levy, William Carter
Ye Tuneful Numbers. A Song With Symphonies: I. SymphonyWilliam Croft, Richard Egarr, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, Stephen Pedder, Julia Kuhn, Mark Levy, William Carter
Ye Tuneful Numbers. A Song With Symphonies: II. Air, Ye Tuneful NumbersWilliam Croft, Iestyn Davies, Richard Egarr, Mark Levy, William Carter
Ye Tuneful Numbers. A Song With Symphonies: III. Air, Tell Her Iām WoundedWilliam Croft, Iestyn Davies, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, Stephen Pedder, William Carter
Ye Tuneful Numbers. A Song With Symphonies: IV. Recitative, But Oh Why Shouād I Blame This Cruel FairWilliam Croft, Iestyn Davies, Richard Egarr, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, William Carter
Ye Tuneful Numbers. A Song With Symphonies: V. Air, When Thousands More, the Same Must ShareWilliam Croft, Iestyn Davies, Richard Egarr, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, Mark Levy, William Carter
Venus and Adonis: OvertureJohn Blow, Richard Egarr, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, Stephen Pedder, Julia Kuhn, Mark Levy, William Carter
Venus and Adonis, Prologue: Cupid's EntryJohn Blow, Richard Egarr, Pamela Thorby, Tabea Debus, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, Stephen Pedder, Julia Kuhn, Mark Levy, William Carter
Venus and Adonis, Act I: A Dance by a HuntsmanJohn Blow, Richard Egarr, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, Stephen Pedder, Julia Kuhn, Mark Levy, William Carter
Venus and Adonis, Act II: A Dance of CupidsJohn Blow, Richard Egarr, Pamela Thorby, Tabea Debus, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, Stephen Pedder, Julia Kuhn, Mark Levy, William Carter
Venus and Adonis, Act I: Act TuneJohn Blow, Richard Egarr, Pamela Thorby, Tabea Debus, Mark Levy, William Carter
Venus and Adonis, Act II: Act TuneJohn Blow, Richard Egarr, Pamela Thorby, Tabea Debus, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, Stephen Pedder, Julia Kuhn, Mark Levy, William Carter
Venus and Adonis, Act II: A GroundJohn Blow, Richard Egarr, Pamela Thorby, Tabea Debus, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, Stephen Pedder, Julia Kuhn, Mark Levy, William Carter
O Solitude, My Sweetest Choice!, Z. 406Henry Purcell, Iestyn Davies, William Carter
Spoken IntroductionHenry Purcell, Iestyn Davies
King Arthur, Z. 628, Act V: Fairest IsleHenry Purcell, Iestyn Davies, Richard Egarr, Pamela Thorby, Tabea Debus, Bojan ÄiÄiÄ, Stephen Pedder, Julia Kuhn, Mark Levy, William Carter