[ Virgin Classics / CD ]
Release Date: Saturday 27 October 2007
William Christie's New Recording on Virgin Classics is a Programme of English Sacred Works Drawn Largely from the Two Volumes of Playford's Harmonia Sacra, Or Divine Hymns and Dialogues (1688/1693). The Published Pieces Are Mostly by Purcell and his Friend and Teacher John Blow, and it is Purcell who Dominates Here, with Some of his Most Ravishing Sacred Songs, Including "Tell Me, Some Pitying Angel" (The Blessed Virgin's Expostulation), the Dramatic Scena "in Guilty Night", Describing Saul¹s Fateful Visit to the Witch of Endor, One of the Early Funeral Sentences, and the Exquisite "Evening Hymn". Blow is Represented by Two Settings, "Peaceful is He and Most Secure" and the Antiphon "Salvator Mundi". The Programme also Includes Works by Pelham Humfrey, with Whom Purcell Studied, and William Croft, Like Purcell Organist of the Chapel Royal and Westminster Abbey.
1. Jehova, Quam Multi Sunt Hostes Mei
2. What Art Thou? (A Hymn On Divine Musick)
3. Lord, What Is Man (A Divine Hymn)
4. Hosanna To the Highest
5. Tell Me, Some Pitying Angel (The Blessed Virgin's Expostulation)
6. Since God So Tender a Regard
7. Funeral Sentences: In the Midst Of Life We Are In Death/Thou Know'st, Lord, the Secrets Of Our Hearts
8. Peaceful Is He, And Mose Secure
9. Lord! I Have Sinned
10. O All Ye People, Clap Your Hands
11. In Guilty Night ('Saul And the Witch Of Endor')
12. The Night Is Come (An Evening Hymn)
13. Close Thine Eyes And Sleep Secure ('Upon A Quiet Conscience')
14. Wilt Thou Forgive That Sin (A Hymn To God the Father)
15. Now That the Sun Hath Veil'd His Light (An Evening Hymn)
16. Salvator Mundi