Henry PURCELL (1659-1695)
1. ’Twas within a furlong of Edinburgh Town from The Mock Marriage, Z605 [2:54]
2. Music for a while, Z583 [5:54]
3. Strike the Viol from Come Ye Sons of Art, Z323 [3:57]
4. An Evening Hymn 'Now that the sun hath veiled his light', Z193 [6:06]
5. In vain the am'rous flute from Hail, Bright Cecilia!, Z328 [4:33]
6. A Prince of glorious race, from Who can from joy refrain? [4:40]
7. O solitude, my sweetest choice, Z406 [5:23]
8. When I am laid in earth from Dido and Aeneas [5:03]
9. Wondrous machine [3:41]
10. Here the deities approve, Z339 [4:48]
11. Ah ! Belinda [4:10]
12. Hark how the songsters of the grove from Timon of Athens, Z632 [2:49]
13. One charming night from The Fairy Queen, Z629 [4:40]
14. Man that is born of a woman, Z27 [1:18]
15. O, Let Me Weep (Plainte) from The Fairy Queen, Z629 [7:19]
16. Curtain Tune from Timon of Athens Z632 [2:56]
Leonard Cohen (b. 1934)
17. Halleluja (Leonard Cohen) - Bonus track [6:04]
Philippe Jaroussky (counter-tenor), Raquel Andueza (soprano), Vincenzo Capezzuto (alto), Dominique Visse (counter-tenor)
Gianluigi Trovesi (clarinets), Wolfgang Muthspiel (acoustic guitar, electric guitar)
L’Arpeggiata/Christina Pluhar
Limited Edition - Casebound Deluxe CD + DVD (see end for contents of DVD)
Rec. June 2013 Institut Culturel Roumain de Paris, Salle Byzantine, Palais de Béhague, France
ERATO WARNER CLASSICS 4636203 Limited Edition [76:21 (CD) + 20:00 (DVD)]
In 1994 the CD Officium with its haunting mix of saxophone
played by Jan Garbarek and early vocal music from The Hilliard Ensemble
made a real impact, albeit a controversial one. Now, making a considerable
impression, comes the vocal music of Henry Purcell on this Erato
disc. It blends period and modern instruments. If the thought of
hearing from the archlute and harpsichord with an electric guitar
and bass clarinet seems incongruous try not to be put off. There
are numerous rewards to be gained from this release.
Regarded by many as Britain’s greatest ever composer Purcell
is scandalously neglected. It is to be hoped that this collection
of songs, given a contemporary twist, will assist a turnaround of
the composer’s fortunes. The performers L'Arpeggiata,
a Parisian early music group, play period instruments and are led
by theorbo player Christina Pluhar who has also prepared the arrangements.
To single out one vocalist it just has to be counter-tenor Philippe
Jaroussky who is featured on five of the tracks; a cause for celebration
for his growing legion of fans. Of the instrumentalists I must highlight
jazz saxophonist and clarinettist Gianluigi Trovesi who provides
assured and memorable playing on four tracks. Also worthy of special
mention is jazz guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel who provides poised
accompaniment on eight of the tracks.
The ‘killer’ track is definitely the arrangement of
Music for a While which would certainly be a big hit if Classic
FM or a television series got hold of it. Philippe Jaroussky’s
voice is in wonderful condition and his quite stunning vocal is
meltingly beautiful throughout. The playing of Trovesi’s clarinet
has an alluring tone. Jaroussky also displays his splendid velvety
sound in An Evening Hymn: Now that the sun hath veiled
his light. Of the other songs I loved the galloping rhythms
of ’Twas within a furlong. Here the creamy tones of
alto Vincenzo Capezzuto blend splendidly with the distinctive electric
guitar. Impressive too is the heavily percussive Strike the Viol
with the bright and appealing soprano of Raquel Andueza.
The spacious sound quality is vividly clear and well balanced. Directed
by David Daurier the bonus DVD with this limited edition release
contains a twenty minute film of the recording sessions comprising
four works with a short trailer. It did look as if the synchronization
between sound and vision was slightly out on my copy. I have the
limited edition release and the numerous photos and essays in the
booklet are produced to a high standard.
Beautifully played, recorded and presented this Erato disc is highly
desirable and has undoubted crossover appeal.
Michael Cookson
Bonus DVD
1. Music for a while, Z583 [5:54]
2. ’Twas within a furlong of Edinburgh Town from The Mock
Marriage, Z605 [2:54]
3. Strike the Viol from Come Ye Sons of Art, Z323 [3:57]
4. Here the deities approve, Z339 [4:48]
Dolby digital 2.0 ch, 48Khz, 160Kbps
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