Customer Reviews

The Complete Sacred Music of Henry Purcell

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This boxed set is by far one of the best purchases I have ever made. As a Purcell freak, this hits every button I have. The cast of characters include the inequitable Robert King, New College Choir, Bowman, and a host of other venerable persons. Likewise the attention to period performance of these works makes it an essential addition to the library of any serious anglophile/Musicologist etc. Now if only the Britten Realizations of all Purcell's songs could be recorded alongside the originals! You will Love this set!

I do not usually like classical music, or Anglican church music, much less baroque but something about Purcell is so special, it touches me deeply like no other music, and Purcell's sacred music is no exception. The quality of the music on this CD from the King's Concert is amazing quality, the voices are rich and deep, especially the base voice on "Since God so Tender." You feel something inside your soul moved. Or on CD 5 "When on my death bed I languish," really captures the sense of feelings a person on their death bed might have. Or the famous Bell Anthem (rejoice in the Lord) gives you a real sense of joy, and the beautiful orchestra starts before the voices sing in. Anyway, I highly recommend this and can do no more but praise it. With 11 CDs you get plenty to listen, although the price is a bit steep.

This is an excellent set, full of great music well performed, in very authentic style. However King uses boy trebles a lot and occassionally they are just not up to the part. This causes a few rough patches. Otherwise outstanding.

This is the way ,I think, Purcell should sound. No pomp and surcomstance but only great music.