Barbara Bonney's "Fairest Isle" is a captivating journey through the realms of classical, choral, and operatic music, released on November 30, 2000, under Decca Music Group Ltd. This exquisite collection showcases Bonney's remarkable vocal prowess and versatility, spanning a rich tapestry of compositions from the late 16th to the early 18th centuries. The album features a diverse selection of works, including pieces from John Dowland's "First Booke of Songes" and "Second Booke of Songes," as well as compositions by Henry Purcell, such as the poignant "Dido and Aeneas" and the enchanting "King Arthur." Bonney's interpretation of these timeless pieces is both delicate and powerful, offering a fresh perspective on these classic works. With a duration of just over an hour, "Fairest Isle" is a testament to Barbara Bonney's artistry and her ability to breathe new life into these enduring musical treasures.
First Booke Of Songes, 1597: 17. Come again: sweet love doth now inviteJohn Dowland, Barbara Bonney, Jacob Heringman
First Booke of Songes, 1597: 4. If my complaints could passions moveJohn Dowland, Barbara Bonney, Jacob Heringman
First Booke of Songes, 1597: 21. Away with these self-loving ladsJohn Dowland, Barbara Bonney, Jacob Heringman
Second Booke of Songes, 1600: 2. Flow my tearsJohn Dowland, Barbara Bonney, Jacob Heringman
Never Weather Beaten SailThomas Campion, Barbara Bonney, Jacob Heringman
The cypress curtain of the nightThomas Campion, Barbara Bonney, Jacob Heringman
It was a lover and his lasseThomas Morley, Barbara Bonney, Jacob Heringman
O Lord, how vain are all our frail delightsWilliam Byrd, Barbara Bonney, Phantasm
Fantasy No. 9John Jenkins, Phantasm
Though Amaryllis Dance in GreenWilliam Byrd, Barbara Bonney, Phantasm
If music be the food of love (First setting: 1692)Henry Purcell, Barbara Bonney, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Abdelazer, Z.570: AirHenry Purcell, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Abdelazer: AirHenry Purcell, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
The Fairy Queen / Part 3: The Sweet Passion: O let me weep, for ever weepHenry Purcell, Barbara Bonney, Andrew Manze, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
King Arthur, or The British Worthy (1691) / Act 5: Fairest Isle (Venus)Henry Purcell, Barbara Bonney, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
She loves and she confesses tooHenry Purcell, Barbara Bonney, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Dido and Aeneas / Act 3: "Thy Hand, Belinda...When I Am Laid In Earth"Henry Purcell, Barbara Bonney, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood