Immerse yourself in the rich Baroque era with John Blow's "Wigmore Hall Live - John Blow: Venus & Adonis". This captivating album, released on January 31, 2011, under the Wigmore Hall Live label, offers a unique blend of instrumental and vocal works that showcase Blow's mastery of the English Baroque style. The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, providing a comprehensive exploration of Blow's compositional prowess.
The album opens with a selection of instrumental pieces, including "Ground in G minor for violin and continuo" and "Chaconne", demonstrating Blow's skill in creating intricate and engaging melodies. The centerpiece of the album is the opera "Venus and Adonis", a three-act work that tells the mythological tale of the love between the goddess Venus and the mortal Adonis. The opera is filled with a variety of musical styles and moods, from the playful and energetic "Cupid's Entry" to the mournful and solemn "Venus: 'With solemn pomp let mourning Cupids bear'".
Throughout the album, Blow's use of orchestration and harmony is evident, creating a rich and textured soundscape that is both engaging and emotionally resonant. The vocal performances are particularly noteworthy, with the singers bringing a sense of drama and passion to the operatic arias and choruses.
"Wigmore Hall Live - John Blow: Venus & Adonis" is a must-listen for anyone interested in the Baroque era or the works of John Blow. The album offers a unique insight into the musical styles and techniques of the period, as well as a captivating and engaging listening experience.
(C) 2011 Wigmore Hall Live
Tracks
Chloe found Amintas lyingJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Ground in G minor for violin and continuoJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Vos mepris chaque jourMichel Lambert, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
ChaconneRobert de Visée, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis - OvertureJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis - Cupid: 'Behold my arrows and my bow'John Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis - Cupid's EntryJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis - Tune for FlutesJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act One - Adonis: 'Venus'John Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act One - Hunters' MusicJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act One - Chorus: 'Come follow'John Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act One - A Dance by a HuntsmanJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act One - Act TuneJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - Cupid: 'You place with such delightful care'John Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - The Cupid's LessonJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - A Dance of the CupidsJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - Venus: 'Call the Graces'John Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - Chorus of the Graces 'Mortals below, Cupids above'John Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - The Graces’ DanceJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - GavattJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - Saraband for the GracesJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Two - A GroundJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venua and Adonis Act Two - Act TuneJohn Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Three - Venus: 'Adonis'John Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
Venus and Adonis Act Three - Venus: 'With solemn pomp let mourning Cupids bear'John Blow, Sophie Danemen, Elin Manahan Thomas, Roderick Williams, Elizabeth Kenny, Theatre of the Ayre
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