ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
PHILIPPE HERREWEGHE
Henry PURCELL (1659-1695):
Ode to St.Cecilia (1692) Z.238
Miriam Allan soprano solo
Barbora Kabatková soprano ripieno
Alex Potter countertenor solo
Robert Kuizenga countertenor solo
Samuel Boden tenor solo
Benedict Hymas tenor ripieno
Edward Grint bass solo
Jimmy Holliday bass solo
Collegium Vocale Gent orchestra
Philippe Herreweghe conductor
Coincidence or not, Henry Purcell (1659-1695) died on the night of 21 to 22 November, the eve of the feast of Saint Cecilia. The patron saint of music was particularly popular in the 17th century with painters like Rubens, Poussin or Strozzi and, of course, with composers. In England, she was celebrated in a very original way since 1683, partly through the foundation of The Musical Society. This club of music lovers organised an annual festive concert on 22 November to the glory of ‘the music’ and commissioned a composition each time. For the 1692 edition, Henry Purcell wrote the magisterial ode Hail! Bright Cecilia. The richness, originality and stunning charm of the work made his earlier successes like King Arthur, The Fairy Queen or even Dido and Aeneas effortlessly pale into insignificance.