Nancy Argenta's "Lost Is My Quiet: English Music in Purcell's Time" is a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of English Baroque music, released on October 1, 2003, under the ATMA Classique label. This choral masterpiece spans a concise yet impactful 59 minutes, offering a unique exploration of the musical landscape that flourished during the era of Henry Purcell.
The album features a diverse collection of works, including excerpts from operas, odes, and masques, showcasing the intricate compositions of Purcell and his contemporaries. Highlights include tracks from "The Fairy Queen," "Amphitryon, Or the Two Sosias," and "The Virtuous Wife, Or Good Luck At Last," each piece meticulously performed by Nancy Argenta and her ensemble.
Argenta's vocals are a standout feature, bringing a delicate balance of power and grace to the intricate melodies and harmonies of the period. The album's genre classification as choral and requiem underscores the depth and solemnity of the compositions, providing a profound listening experience.
"Lost Is My Quiet" is not just a collection of songs but a testament to the enduring beauty of English Baroque music. It's a must-listen for enthusiasts of classical music, offering a glimpse into the artistic brilliance of a bygone era. Whether you're a seasoned fan of the genre or a newcomer looking to explore its depths, this album promises a rewarding and enriching experience.
The Fairy Queen, Z. 629, Act II: One Charming NightHenry Purcell, Sophie Larivière, Daniel Taylor, Matthias Maute, Nigel North
Lovely Selina, Innocent and FreeJohn Blow, Susie Napper, Christopher Jackson, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North
Pausanias, the Betrayer of His Country, Z. 585: My Dearest, My FairestDaniel Purcell, Nancy Argenta, Christopher Jackson, Daniel Taylor, Nigel North, Susie Napper
The Mad Lover: As Cupid Roguishly One DayJohn Eccles, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North
Suite from "Amphitryon, Or the Two Sosias" Z. 572: OvertureHenry Purcell, Christopher Jackson, Nigel North, Susie Napper, Margaret Little, Adrian Butterfield, Hélène Plouffe
Suite from "Amphitryon, Or the Two Sosias" Z. 572: SarabandHenry Purcell, Susie Napper, Christopher Jackson, Nigel North, Adrian Butterfield, Margaret Little, Hélène Plouffe
Suite from "Amphitryon, Or the Two Sosias" Z. 572: HornpipeHenry Purcell, Susie Napper, Christopher Jackson, Nigel North, Adrian Butterfield, Margaret Little, Hélène Plouffe
Suite from "Amphitryon, Or the Two Sosias" Z. 572: Scotch TuneHenry Purcell, Susie Napper, Christopher Jackson, Nigel North, Adrian Butterfield, Margaret Little, Hélène Plouffe
Suite from "Amphitryon, Or the Two Sosias" Z. 572: AirHenry Purcell, Susie Napper, Christopher Jackson, Nigel North, Adrian Butterfield, Margaret Little, Hélène Plouffe
Suite from "Amphitryon, Or the Two Sosias" Z. 572: MinuetHenry Purcell, Nigel North, Hélène Plouffe, Christopher Jackson, Margaret Little, Susie Napper, Adrian Butterfield
Suite from "Amphitryon, Or the Two Sosias" Z. 572: Hornpipe (2)Henry Purcell, Nigel North, Hélène Plouffe, Christopher Jackson, Margaret Little, Susie Napper, Adrian Butterfield
Suite from "Amphitryon, Or the Two Sosias" Z. 572: BorreeHenry Purcell, Nigel North, Hélène Plouffe, Christopher Jackson, Margaret Little, Susie Napper, Adrian Butterfield
Come, Ye Sons of Art Away, Z. 323: Strike the ViolHenry Purcell, Nigel North, Susie Napper, Sophie Larivière, Daniel Taylor, Matthias Maute
Lost Is My Quiet for Ever Z. 502Henry Purcell, Nigel North, Nancy Argenta, Daniel Taylor
Ode for St. Cecilia: See the Forsaken Fair With Streaming EyesJohn Eccles, Nigel North, Christopher Jackson, Nancy Argenta, Susie Napper
Suite from "The Virtuous Wife, Or Good Luck At Last" Z. 611: OvertureHenry Purcell, Margaret Little, Nigel North, Christopher Jackson, Adrian Butterfield, Hélène Plouffe, Susie Napper
Suite from "The Virtuous Wife, Or Good Luck At Last" Z. 611: Song TuneHenry Purcell, Susie Napper, Margaret Little, Christopher Jackson, Adrian Butterfield, Hélène Plouffe, Nigel North
Suite from "The Virtuous Wife, Or Good Luck At Last" Z. 611: Slow AirHenry Purcell, Margaret Little, Nigel North, Christopher Jackson, Adrian Butterfield, Hélène Plouffe, Susie Napper
Suite from "The Virtuous Wife, Or Good Luck At Last" Z. 611: AirHenry Purcell, Margaret Little, Nigel North, Christopher Jackson, Adrian Butterfield, Hélène Plouffe, Susie Napper
Suite from "The Virtuous Wife, Or Good Luck At Last" Z. 611: PreludioHenry Purcell, Margaret Little, Nigel North, Christopher Jackson, Adrian Butterfield, Hélène Plouffe, Susie Napper
Suite from "The Virtuous Wife, Or Good Luck At Last" Z. 611: HornpipeHenry Purcell, Margaret Little, Nigel North, Christopher Jackson, Adrian Butterfield, Hélène Plouffe, Susie Napper
Suite from "The Virtuous Wife, Or Good Luck At Last" Z. 611: Minuet 1 & Minuet 2Henry Purcell, Margaret Little, Nigel North, Christopher Jackson, Adrian Butterfield, Hélène Plouffe, Susie Napper
Suite from "The Virtuous Wife, Or Good Luck At Last" Z. 611: (Air: La Furstemberg)Henry Purcell, Margaret Little, Nigel North, Christopher Jackson, Adrian Butterfield, Hélène Plouffe, Susie Napper
Don Quixote: The Comical History of Don Quixote, Z. 578: I Burn, My Brain Consumes to AshesJohn Eccles, Nancy Argenta, Nigel North, Susie Napper
Welcome to All the Pleasures, Z. 339: Here the Deities ApproveHenry Purcell, Margaret Little, Christopher Jackson, Adrian Butterfield, Hélène Plouffe, Daniel Taylor, Susie Napper
Oh! That Mine Eyes Would Melt Into A FloodJohn Blow, Christopher Jackson, Nancy Argenta, Susie Napper
The Prophetess, or the History of Dioclesian, Z. 627: Since from My Dear Astrea's SightHenry Purcell, Daniel Taylor, Nigel North