Classical Editor: Rob Barnett
 

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FAIREST ISLE: A New National Songbook.
Various works by Clarke, Handel, Purcell, Dibdin, Arne etc.
Catherine Bott: soprano. Joseph Cornwell: tenor. The Parley of Instruments, Psalmody, Peter Holman.
Hyperion CDA67115 63m DDD.

Another interesting concept to add to Hyperion's burgeoning English Orpheus series. This time the indefatigable Peter Holman and his excellent Parley of Instruments team up with soloists and a choir for some hilariously effective period renditions of some popular and long lost traditional favorites. We all know 'The British Grenadiers', 'Sally in our Alley', 'Rule Brittania' et al but some songs are true rarities. I was, for example, tickled pink by Hook's 'The lass of Richmond Hill' and an anonymous 'Farewell to Lochaber', both songs of beautiful melodic content. Holman and his orchestra are constantly cajoling Bott and Cornwell who sing the items with fervour and just the right ounce of humour not to let things get stale. Some songs do not hold a definite authorship such as 'Twas within a furlong of Edinburgh town', attributed both to Purcell and to Clarke. Handel's 'Melancholy Nymph' is also winning, as is Barsanti's Overture in G major, a whacking party piece. The notes make interesting reading as we can delve deeper into the history of these familiar tunes which although having remained popular are still somewhat obscure as regards their composers. Such projects are beyond critical criticism and as such I recommend this New national Songbook wholeheartedly to young and old alike for a true sample of British prestige at its best!

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech


Reviewer

Gerald Fenech


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