Thou Genius of This Isle
Donald Macleod explores Purcell's major collaboration with John Dryden - King Arthur.
Donald Macleod explores Purcell's major collaboration with John Dryden, King Arthur, and looks at some of the characters populating London's theatrical world in the 1690s. A spoken verse drama 'adorn'd with Scenes, Machines, Songs and Dances', King Arthur features the extraordinary Frost Scene. A military hero and British virtues made it appropriate to the current regime, and there was also room for reflection on the new commercial ethos of the times, with songs in praise of Britain's chief exports, fish and wool...
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Music Played
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Henry Purcell
The Gordian Knot Unty'd: Overture
Performer: The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood (conductor)
- Decca 475 529-2.
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Henry Purcell
Pursuing Beauty
Performer: Judith Nelson (soprano), The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood (conductor)
- Decca 475 529-2.
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Henry Purcell
Henry Purcell - King Arthur (Extract: Act 3 and 4)
Performer: Cupid - Susannah Waters (soprano), Cold Genius - Petteri Salomaa (bass), Les Arts Florissants, William Christie (conductor)
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Henry Purcell
Henry Purcell - King Arthur (Extract: Act 5)
Performer: Veronique Gens (soprano), Sandrine Piau (soprano), Jonathan Best (bass), Claron McFadden (soprano), Susannah Waters (soprano), Petteri Salomaa (bass), Les Arts Florissants, William Christie (conductor)
Broadcasts
- Wed 11 May 201112:00BBC Radio 3
- Wed 11 May 201118:30BBC Radio 3
- Wed 22 Feb 201212:00BBC Radio 3
- Wed 22 Feb 201218:30BBC Radio 3
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