Purcell

Jacobs v3 HTGCD127

The Peter Jacobs Anthology 3 (Heritage)

Forgotten British piano treasures, live from 1979 [JF]

timrumsey transcriptions luminate

Tim Rumsey (piano): Transcriptions (Luminate Records)

A triumphant transcription recital that shows the golden age of the piano is alive and well [RCh]

Purcell HailBrightCecilia ChateaudeVersailles

Purcell: Hail! Bright Cecilia (Château de Versailles)

A misconceived performance of a great Purcell ode [JW]

Purcell: Dido and Aeneas (Château de Versailles Spectacles)

A new presentation, strong and full of woe, but only partially successful [PH]

Purcell DidoandAeneas Erato

Purcell: Dido and Aeneas (Erato)

An enjoyably theatrical recording [SWe]

English song CDLX7104

English Song Album (Dutton)

This is a fascinating disc, and includes some wonderful performances [EM]

Purcell BIS2734

Helen Charlston (mezzo-soprano) If the Fates Allow (BIS)

A recital of admirable expressive commitment but with question marks concerning the recording [JW]

purcell most admirable composure hyperion helios

Purcell: Songs (Hyperion Helios)

(Déjà Review) Hard to imagine this music better interpreted [bw]

sokolov mozart deutsche grammophon

Grigory Sokolov (piano) Purcell and Mozart (Deutsche Grammophon)

Authoritative and heartfelt performances, warmly recommended [SG]

Jakub Józef Orlínski (vocals): #LetsBaRock (Erato)

A highly professional crossover album, that should be attractive to lovers of rock music, but is not quite my cup of tea [GF]

Musical Tour Cantar alla Viola Da Vinci C00888

A Musical Tour from Renaissance to Baroque (Da Vinci Classics)

A compelling demonstration of an uncommon performance practice [JV]

Gatti Praeconium solitudinis NovAntiqua

Enrico Gatti (violin) Praeconium solitudinis (NovAntiqua)

The performances are superb, but the concept may not appeal to everyone [JV]

Peace magdalen COR16205

Peace I leave with you – Music for the Evening Hour (Coro Magdalen)

A discerningly chosen programme given accomplished performances [JQ]

spycket forgotten records

Sylvie Spycket (harpsichord) (Forgotten Records)

A short-lived harpsichordist heard in a bracingly robust recital [JW]

Philarmonica Le Consort Alpha 1011

Philarmonica (Alpha Classics)

A potentially interesting programme, but it tended to all blend together [DJB]

Purcell fairy HAF890130809

Purcell: The Fairy Queen (Harmonia Mundi)

This 35-year-old recording is still a worthy competitor in a crowded field and the sound comes up as fresh as new paint [GF]

Popper: Complete Transcriptions for Violoncello and Piano (Paladino Music)

A valuable addition to the Popper discography and a chance to hear a Hubay rarity [RCh]

Alexander Chance (alto): Drop not, mine eyes (Linn Records)

Chance is a foremost representative of his generation in the falsetto range [JV]

purcell queen mary apex

Purcell: Music for Queen Mary (Apex)

(Déjà Review) One of the crowning glories of John Eliot Gardiner’s early recordings [PB]

Kagami Mirror viola da gamba Ramee RAM2204

Kagami – Mirror: viola da gamba pieces (Ramée)

Very personal choice of viola da gamba pieces, performed with much sensitivity [JV]

Philarmonica Le Consort Alpha 1011

Philarmonica (Alpha Classics)

Le Consort deserves praise for bringing the music by the mysterious Mrs Philarmonica to our attention [JV]

Coronation george CDA67286

The Coronation of George II (Hyperion)

(Déjà Review) A wonderful recording of superlative music in performances that surely cannot be bettered [JL]

through the night bis

Through The Night (BIS)

A stimulating medley of the best string music, beautifully executed [RMo]

Purcell: Dido and Aeneas (Pentatone)

A colourful and dramatic performance of “The only perfect English opera” – with a modern twist [GF]