Customer Reviews

Purcell: Songs & Airs / Argenta, North, Boothby, Nicholson, Toll

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
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This is probably one of the best anthologies of Purcell songs around, and not just because it's two-for-one pricing means it contains twice as much music (CD1:74'24" & CD2: 77'41")! Nancy Argenta has an irrepressible sense of style and crystal clear diction. But unlike Emma Kirby, whose vocal purity can become tiresome, these renditions radiate warmth. She is also, I have found, more consistently involving than any one of the singers in Hyperion's three disc survey of Complete Secular Songs (recently reissued as a single set). One marvels at how she judiciously balances restraint and emotional forthrightness. The accompaniments (archlute, viola da gamba, harpsichord, and organ) are well judged and blend with the voice, all helped by an excellently defined recording acoustic. This is an absolute winner at any price!

Two CDs, totaling more than 150 minutes of sparsely-arranged (never more than 3-5 instruments at a time), sweetly-sung, 350 year old 'ayres' (a typically English form of secular music). Nancy Argenta's soprano voice is lovely, silvery indeed as her name implies. The instruments are a discreet but friendly accompaniment to her solo voice. Perhaps the instruments are a little too discreet -- there are times when I wish they were a touch more prominent. But that is a very, very minor complaint. A beautiful collection, and quite well worth the money.

There is only a word with which I can describe this set of discs: perfect!
The only flaw there is, is not related to the singing or playing: no text enclosed.

The combination of Nancy Argenta's clear voice and the songs and airs of Henry Purcell is a winner. Henry Purcell served Charles II, his brother James II, and William and Mary. Purcell was trained in the Chapel Royal, eventually becoming the organist. Unfortunately he died at the height of his compositional powers but he left over a thousand complete compositions. This two CD anthology is excellent. The music varies including compositions that are traditional English ayres. The English lyrics are expressive and in perfect harmony with the music. Nancy Argenta, like Kathleen Battle, has perfect diction and control. The use of historic instruments such as the archlute, theorbo, baroque guitar, viola da gamba, harpsichord, and chamber organ adds to the warmth of the selections and the more contemporary orchestra of oboes, trumpets, violins, and viola. The accompaniment is perfectly in balance with the vocals. The haunting selection "O solitude" is the final selection for the first CD and tragically beautiful "Thy hand, Belinda...When I am laid in earth" is the final selection of the second CD.

I agree with another reviewer. These recordings are perfect. Not only performance wise but technically. Many Purcell discs are collections from various performances from many sources spanning many years and of varying acoustical quality. These recordings are consistent from start to finish. Brilliantly performed and sound like they were recorded in one continuous session. Very enjoyable. One of the best Purcell sets I have heard.

I have many collections of Purcell's Music. This collection stands up to them at half the price. Solid buy.