Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of William Boyce's "Solomon," a masterful orchestral work that showcases the elegance and sophistication of the Baroque era. Released in 1990 by Hyperion, this classical album is a testament to Boyce's compositional prowess, offering a rich tapestry of musical storytelling that spans over an hour and sixteen minutes.
"Solomon" is divided into three parts, each brimming with a variety of musical forms, including overtures, choruses, recitatives, arias, and duets. The album opens with a grand overture, setting the stage for a narrative that unfolds through the voices of its characters, portrayed by both male and female vocalists. The themes of love, nature, and devotion are woven intricately throughout the pieces, creating a cohesive and captivating musical journey.
The album features a stellar cast of performers, with each piece highlighting the interplay between the soloists and the orchestra. The choruses, in particular, are a standout, showcasing the power and harmony of the vocal ensemble. The instrumental passages are equally impressive, with Boyce's mastery of counterpoint and melody evident in every measure.
"Solomon" is not just an album; it's an experience. From the lively and energetic overtures to the tender and intimate arias, Boyce's music transports you to a world of royal splendor and romantic intrigue. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Solomon" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that is sure to delight and inspire.
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 1, Overture. Largo – Allegro – LarghettoWilliam Boyce, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 2, Chorus. Behold, Jerusalem, Behold Thy King (Chorus)William Boyce, Roy Goodman, The Parley of Instruments, The Parley of Instruments Choir
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 3, Recit. From the Mountains, Lo! He Comes (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 4, Air. Tell Me, Lovely Shepherd, Where (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 5, Air. Fairest of the Virgin Throng (He)William Boyce, Howard Crook, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 6, Recit. As the Rich Apple, on Whose Boughs (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 7, Air. Beneath Him Ample Shade I Lay (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 8, Recit. Who Quits the Lily's Fleecy White (He)William Boyce, Howard Crook, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 9, Air. Balmy Sweetness, Ever Flowing (He)William Boyce, Howard Crook, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 10, Recit/Air. Let Not My Prince His Slave Despise (She)William Boyce, Roy Goodman, The Parley of Instruments, Bronwen Mills
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 11, Air. Fair and Comely Is My Love (He)William Boyce, Howard Crook, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 12, Recit. Forbear, O Charming Swain, Forbear! (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 1: No. 13, Air. O Fill with Cooling Juice the Bowl (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 1, Sinfonia. Allegro assaiWilliam Boyce, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 2, Recit/Air. The Cheerful Spring Begins Today (He/She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman, Howard Crook
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 3, Duet. Together Let Us Range the Fields (He/She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman, Howard Crook
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 4, Recit. How Lovely Art Thou to the Sight (He)William Boyce, Howard Crook, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 5, Air. Let Me, Love, the Bole Ascending (He)William Boyce, Howard Crook, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 6, Recit. O That a Sister's Specious Name (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 7, Air. Soft! I Adjure You, by the Fawns (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 8, Recit. My Fair's a Garden of Delight (He)William Boyce, Howard Crook, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman
Solomon, Pt. 2: No. 9, Air with Chorus. Softly Rise, O Southern Breeze! (He)William Boyce, Howard Crook, Roy Goodman, The Parley of Instruments Choir, The Parley of Instruments, Sally Jackson
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 1, Arioso. Arise, My Fair, the Doors Unfold (He/She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments, Roy Goodman, Howard Crook
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 2, Recit/Air. Obedient to Thy Voice I Hie (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, Roy Goodman, The Parley of Instruments
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 3, Air. Ye Blooming Virgins, as Ye Rove (She)William Boyce, Roy Goodman, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 3, Chorus. Who Is Thy Love, O Charming Maid! (Virgins)William Boyce, Roy Goodman, The Parley of Instruments, The Parley of Instruments Choir
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 5, Air. On His Face the Vernal Rose (She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, Roy Goodman, The Parley of Instruments
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 6, Arioso. This, O Ye Virgins, Is the Swain (She)William Boyce, Roy Goodman, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 7, Recit. Sweet Nymph, Whom Ruddier Charms Adorn (He)William Boyce, Roy Goodman, Howard Crook, The Parley of Instruments
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 8, Recit. O Take Me! Stamp Me on Thy Breast! (She)William Boyce, Roy Goodman, Bronwen Mills, The Parley of Instruments
Solomon, Pt. 3: No. 9, Duet and Chorus. Thou Soft Invader of the Soul! (He/She)William Boyce, Bronwen Mills, Howard Crook, Roy Goodman, The Parley of Instruments, The Parley of Instruments Choir