Purcell: Ten Sonatas of four parts. The King's Consort. Vivat CD
It features the King's Consort (leader Robert King) with its reputation as the leading performer of music by the famous British composer Henry Purcell (1659-95).
This group has made 25 previous recordings of music by Purcell, which have won numerous awards, encouraging prominence of the works so they can be appreciated again four centuries later.
Of course the 10 four-part works are performed in exquisitely beautiful style.
The musicians revel in the music, displaying its delights and occasional pathos, adorned with their own virtuosity.
Italian-Dutch Cecilia Bernardini and Welsh Huw Daniel are the two violinists, Japanese Reiko Ichise plays bass viol.
From England Lynda Sayce is the theorbo player, while King operates keyboards on organ or harpsichord.
They were recorded in the clear acoustics of St John's Church, Loughton.
Modern listeners should appreciate the inventive genius of Purcell, with his original melodies and brilliant, contrapuntal harmonies (with occasional planned dissonances.)
Fortunately the sonatas were published by Purcell's widow after his death, a gift to the world as they display such variety of musical invention, having their own distinctive brilliance of composition and emotions.
Playing all the works at one sitting is not recommended here, but they have individual personalities and sounds to treasure.
Reading the lively introduction in the set's booklet by King will help to put them into historical context, and shows his knowledge of details and stylistic information that is displayed so well in the performances.
Verdict: Purcell's precious treasures delight.
- Geoff Adams
