John Blow: Odes & Songs / Guillon

There is no record of how Purcell’s unprecedented youthful genius was received by his contemporaries at this time, though it seems logical that it must have caused considerable wonder in the musical world centered around Westminster. The reality of London musical life was in fact difficult, frenetic and grossly underfunded, and, along with the whole city, was thrown into confusion with the outbreak of the plague, the war with the Dutch and a catastrophic fire. In the midst of this chaos, a lifelong friendship developed with Blow, who relinquished his post as organist at Westminster Abbey to the twenty year-old Purcell in 1679. Was it an act of simple generosity alone — or was it also recognition of a bewildering superiority and the inevitable need to stand aside? The listener can decide with this selection of odes and songs by both composers. Countertenor soloists Carlos Mena and Damien Guillon are backed by the stylish and adept accompaniment of Philippe Pierlot and his Ricercar Consort. These two remarkable singers present a deeply emotional program to celebrate the 350th anniversary of Purcell’s birth.

Notes & Reviews:

Recording information: Temple de Lourmarin (10/2009).

Reviews

There are currently no reviews, be the first one!

Also Purchased

Works Details

Blow, John : Ode on the Death of Mr. Henry Purcell, for 2 male altos, 2 recorders, viol & continuo

Performers: Carlos Mena (Countertenor); Damien Guillon (Countertenor)
Conductor: Philippe Pierlot
Ensemble: Ricercar Consort
Running Time: 22 min. 2 sec.
Period Time: Baroque
Written: circa 1695

Purcell, Henry : Z. 544 :: Here Let My Life

Performer: Carlos Mena (Countertenor)
Conductor: Philippe Pierlot
Ensemble: Ricercar Consort
Running Time: 2 min. 48 sec.
Period Time: Baroque
Form: Vocal

Purcell, Henry : Z. 320 :: But Ah, I See Eusebia Drown'd in Tears

Performer: Damien Guillon (Countertenor)
Conductor: Philippe Pierlot
Ensemble: Ricercar Consort
Running Time: 3 min. sec.
Period Time: Baroque
Written: 1690

Purcell, Henry : The Prophetess :: Symphony for the Flutes

Conductor: Philippe Pierlot
Ensemble: Ricercar Consort
Running Time: 1 min. 51 sec.
Period Time: Baroque
Written: 1690

Purcell, Henry : Z. 323 :: Strike the Viol

Performer: Carlos Mena (Countertenor)
Conductor: Philippe Pierlot
Ensemble: Ricercar Consort
Running Time: 2 min. 3 sec.
Period Time: Baroque
Written: 1694

Purcell, Henry : Z. 322 :: Her Charming Strains

Performer: Damien Guillon (Countertenor)
Conductor: Philippe Pierlot
Ensemble: Ricercar Consort
Running Time: 3 min. 4 sec.
Period Time: Baroque
Written: 1689

Purcell, Henry : Chaconne (Two in One Upon a Ground), for 2 flutes & continuo (from "Prophetess"), Z. 627/16

Conductor: Philippe Pierlot
Ensemble: Ricercar Consort
Running Time: 7 min. 37 sec.
Period Time: Baroque
Written: 1690

Purcell, Henry : Z. 627 :: A Song in the Prophetess

Performer: Carlos Mena (Countertenor)
Conductor: Philippe Pierlot
Ensemble: Ricercar Consort
Running Time: 4 min. 3 sec.
Period Time: Baroque
Written: 1690

Purcell, Henry : The Prophetess :: Symphony for the Flutes

Conductor: Philippe Pierlot
Ensemble: Ricercar Consort
Running Time: 1 min. 42 sec.
Period Time: Baroque
Written: 1690

Purcell, Henry : No, resistance is but vain (from "Maid's Last Prayer"), song, Z. 601/2

Performers: Damien Guillon (Countertenor); Carlos Mena (Countertenor)
Conductor: Philippe Pierlot
Ensemble: Ricercar Consort
Running Time: 4 min. 24 sec.
Period Time: Baroque
Written: 1693

Purcell, Henry : I loved fair Celia, Z. 381

Performer: Carlos Mena (Countertenor)
Conductor: Philippe Pierlot
Ensemble: Ricercar Consort
Running Time: 1 min. 52 sec.
Period Time: Baroque
Written: 1694

Purcell, Henry : Z. 331 :: Sweetness of Nature

Performers: Carlos Mena (Countertenor); Damien Guillon (Countertenor)
Conductor: Philippe Pierlot
Ensemble: Ricercar Consort
Running Time: 2 min. 54 sec.
Period Time: Baroque
Written: 1692

Reviews

New Recommendations