s
Henry PURCELL (1659-1695):
Rejoice in the Lord alway Z.49
Hear my prayer, O Lord Z.15
I was glad Z.19
Remember not, Lord, our offences Z.50
My beloved spake Z.28
My heart is inditing Z.30
Magdalena Podkościelna, Kristen Witmer _soprano_
Marnix De Cat, Bart Uvyn _countertenor_
Thomas Hobbs _tenor_
Lisandro Abadie, Matthias Lutze _bas_
*Collegium Vocale Gent*
Capriccio Stravagante Les 24 Violons
Skip Sempé
When James II became King of England after Cromwell’s reign of terror, culture could thrive once again. In this new era, baroque lightness was bon ton. Imitating the French court, James created the Twenty-four Violins of the King, an ensemble that influenced music for theatre, court and church. The ensemble was a dream instrument in the hands of young Henry Purcell. As the organist at Westminster Abbey and the Chapel Royal, he wrote a number of large-scale anthems for soloists, choir and orchestra, all of them masterpieces of refreshing originality and overwhelming refinement!