Henry Purcell's devotional songs showcase his genius for word-painting, masterful use of harmony in expressive recitatives, melodic gift, and distinctive treatment of ground basses.
Performer Biography
David Miller, who plays lute and theorbo on this album, is a professor of lute at London's Guildhall School of Music & Drama and Trinity Laban.
Instruments
In 17th-century England, the lute and theorbo were the primary instruments for accompanying songs until the 1690s.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Thomas Campian, a unique lute song composer, devoted his First Booke of Ayres entirely to religious songs and set all his own poetry to music.
Historical Context
These 17th-century devotional songs were created amidst significant historical events in England, including civil war, the rise and fall of republicanism, the Restoration of the monarchy, plague, and the Great Fire of London.
Composer's Artistic Vision
John Wilson, a lutenist and singer for the 'King's Musick', composed extraordinary lute Preludes in all keys, which he intended to be seen only after his death.
Performer Biography
Elin Manahan Thomas, the soprano on this album, was the first singer ever to record Bach's 'Alles mit Gott', a birthday ode discovered in 2005.
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