BBC Proms 2020 Season - A celebration of Henry Purcell [2009] [320kbps .mp3]

In 2020, BBC Radio 3 is bringing together musical greats, from the past and the present, in one extraordinary Proms season. Radio 3 is broadcasting the best of four decades of unmissable Proms concerts.

The centrepiece of this concert – introduced by Suzy Klein and originally presented to celebrate the 350th anniversary year of Purcell’s birth in 2009 – is an affecting tribute to the composer by his teacher and predecessor as organist of Westminster Abbey, John Blow. It sets Dryden’s poem of the same name, which describes how ‘the lark and linnet sing’ but then fall silent at the appearance of ‘the matchless man, our Orpheus’.

A sequence of Purcell’s solo songs and keyboard pieces and the deeply moving Evening Hymn complete this mix of mellifluous music, performed by English singers Iestyn Davies and Simon Wall. The duo are accompanied by members of the Academy of Ancient Music, led from the harpsichord by their Artistic Director Richard Egarr.

01. A celebration of Henry Purcell PtI
i. Suite in G major – excerpts
ii.  Hail, Bright Cecelia – ’Tis nature’s voice
iii. A New Ground
iv. Music for a while
v. Suite in D major – excerpts
vi. Sweeter than roses
01a. Introduction to the Purcell prom
01b. Interview with Richard Egarr
02. Blow - Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell
03. Purcell - Evening Hymn

Iestyn Davies (countertenor)
Simon Wall (tenor)
Members of the Academy of Ancient Music
Richard Egarr (harpsichord/director)

(From the BBC Proms, 7 September 2009)

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