Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of English Baroque music with The English Concert's captivating live performance at Wigmore Hall. This album, released on June 9, 2017, under the Wigmore Hall Live label, is a testament to the ensemble's virtuosity and the timeless beauty of the works by Henry Purcell, Matthew Locke, John Blow, and Orlando Gibbons.
Spanning a little over an hour, this classical masterpiece takes you on a journey through a variety of compositions, from the dramatic "The Tempest" to the tender "Oh! Fair Cedaria, Hide Those Eyes." The English Concert's interpretation of these pieces is nothing short of breathtaking, with each note resonating with historical authenticity and emotional depth.
The album opens with the dramatic "The Tempest" by Henry Purcell, a suite that showcases the ensemble's ability to convey the stormy and serene aspects of the composition. It's followed by a diverse range of works, including the enchanting "If Music be the Food of Love" and the lively "Chaconne in G Major." Each piece is performed with precision and passion, highlighting the unique characteristics of the composers and the instruments of the period.
The English Concert, known for their commitment to historically informed performance, brings these Baroque masterpieces to life with their expertise and dedication. Their live performance at Wigmore Hall captures the essence of these compositions, offering a listening experience that is both engaging and enlightening.
This album is a celebration of the English Baroque era, offering a glimpse into the musical landscape of 17th and 18th century England. It's a collection that will appeal to both classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre, providing a rich and rewarding listening experience.
(C) 2017 Wigmore Hall Live
Tracks
The Tempest, The First Musick: I. IntroductionMatthew Locke, The English Concert, Harry Bicket
The Tempest, The First Musick: II. GalliardMatthew Locke, The English Concert, Harry Bicket
The Tempest, The First Musick: III. GavotMatthew Locke, The English Concert, Harry Bicket
The Tempest, The Second Musick: IV. SarabandMatthew Locke, The English Concert, Harry Bicket
The Tempest, The Second Musick: V. LilkMatthew Locke, Rosemary Joshua, Sarah Connolly, Harry Bicket, The English Concert
If Music be the Food of Love, Z.379bHenry Purcell, Rosemary Joshua, Harry Bicket, The English Concert
Draw Near, You Lovers, Z.462Henry Purcell, Sarah Connolly, Harry Bicket, The English Concert
Dioclesian, Z.627, Act 5: "Oh! the Sweet Delights of Love"Henry Purcell, Rosemary Joshua, Sarah Connolly, Harry Bicket, The English Concert
The Tempest, The Second Musick: VI. Curtain TuneMatthew Locke, The English Concert, Harry Bicket
The Tempest, The Second Musick: VII. The First Act Tune "Rustick Air"Matthew Locke, The English Concert, Harry Bicket
The Tempest, The Second Musick: VIII. The Second Act Tune "Minoit"Matthew Locke, The English Concert, Harry Bicket
The Tempest, The Second Musick: IX. The Third Act Tune "Corant"Matthew Locke, The English Concert, Harry Bicket
The Tempest, The Second Musick: X. The Fourth Act Tune "A Martial Jigge"Matthew Locke, The English Concert, Harry Bicket
The Tempest, The Second Musick: XII. The Conclusion "A Canon 4 in 2"Matthew Locke, The English Concert, Harry Bicket
Oedipus, Z.583: II. Song. Musick for a WhileHenry Purcell, Sarah Connolly, Harry Bicket, The English Concert
Oh! Fair Cedaria, Hide Those Eyes, Z.402Henry Purcell, Rosemary Joshua, Harry Bicket, The English Concert
Pausanius, Z.585: No. 2, My Dearest, My FairestHenry Purcell, Rosemary Joshua, Sarah Connolly, Harry Bicket, The English Concert
Chaconne in G MajorJohn Blow, The English Concert, Harry Bicket
Oh Solitude, Z.406Henry Purcell, Sarah Connolly, Harry Bicket, The English Concert
Pausanius, Z.585: No. 1, Sweeter than RosesHenry Purcell, Rosemary Joshua, Harry Bicket, The English Concert
Fantasy-Suite in D Minor: I. FantasyChristopher Gibbons, The English Concert, Harry Bicket
Fantasy-Suite in D Minor: II. AllmanChristopher Gibbons, The English Concert, Harry Bicket
Fantasy-Suite in D Minor: III. GalliardChristopher Gibbons, The English Concert, Harry Bicket
The Fairy Queen, Z.629, Act 2: "One Charming Night"Henry Purcell, Sarah Connolly, Harry Bicket, The English Concert
The Fairy Queen, Z.629, Act 5: "The Plaint"Henry Purcell, Rosemary Joshua, Harry Bicket, The English Concert
The Female Virtuosos, Z.596: "Love, Thou art Best"Henry Purcell, Rosemary Joshua, Sarah Connolly, Harry Bicket, The English Concert
The Fairy Queen, Z.629, Act 5: ChaconneHenry Purcell, The English Concert, Harry Bicket
The Fairy Queen, Z.629, Act 5: "They Shall be as Happy as They're Fair"Henry Purcell, Rosemary Joshua, Sarah Connolly, Harry Bicket, The English Concert