Most of the distinctive Purcell realizations by Benjamin Britten, vocal parts edited by Peter Pears, have been out of print for some years. This new edition collects 49 selections for high voice and 45 selections for medium/low voice. Includes 9 songs from Harmonia Sacra, 24 solo songs and six duets from Orpheus Britannicus, The Queen's Epicedium, and selections from Dido and Aeneas and The Fairy Queen.
Alleluia The Blessed Virgin's Expostulation Job's Curse Saul and the Witch at Endor Lord, what is man We sing to him Evening Hymn A Morning Hymn In the black dismal dungeon of despair The Queen's Epicedium I attempt from love's sickness I take no pleasure Hark the ech'ing air Take not a woman's anger ill How blest are shepherds Fairest Isle If music be the food of love (3rd version) Turn then thine eyes Music for a while Pious Celinda I'll sail upon the Dog-star On the brow of Richmond Hill Mad Bess If music be the food of love (1st version) There's not a swain of the plain Not all my torments Man is for the woman made Sweeter than roses Sound the trumpet I spy Celia Lost is my quiet What can we poor females do? No, resistance is but vain Shepherd, leave decoying Let sullen discord smile Why should men quarrel? So when the glittering Queen of Night Thou tun'st this world 'Tis holiday Sound fame thy brazen trumpet Shake the cloud from off your brow Ah, Belinda! I am prest with torment Fear no danger to ensue Pursue thy conquest, love But ere we this perform Thanks to these lonesome vales Oft she visits this lov'd mountain Come away, fellow sailors When I am laid in earth Dialogue of Corydon and Mopsa