King Arthur (1691), like Purcell’s other great scores for the stage, belongs to a highly unusual genre: it is neither a play nor an opera but a hybrid of the two known as ‘semi-opera’. Alfred Deller’s legendary 1978 recording is one of the benchmark interpretations which introduced music-lovers to Purcell’s masterpiece.
This title was released for the first time in 1979.
HENRY PURCELL [1659-1695] KING ARTHUR Opéra en 5 actes Texte de John Dryden · Overture - Air - Overture (5'10) · Act I, sc. 2 Bass Woden, first to thee Chorus Brave Souls Counter-tenor I call ye all (10'26) · Tenor and Chorus Come if you dare (5'44) · Act II Philidel Hither this way bend Grimbald Let not a Moon-born Elf Philidel Hither this way Come follow me (6'52) · 1 Shepherd How blest are Shepherds 2 Shepherd Shepherd, leave Decoying Hornpipe (9'49) · Act III, sc. 2 Prelude. Cupid What ho (1'43) · Genius What Power art thou Cupid Thou Doting Fool forbear Prelude. Chorus See, see (9'50) · Cupid Tis I, that have warm'd ye Cupid & Genius Sound a Parley Air (8'07)
KING ARTHUR Opéra en 5 actes Texte de John Dryden · Act IV, sc. 2 2 Syrens Two Daughters (1'50) · Alto How happy the Lover Fourth Act Tune (7'42) · Act V, sc. 2 Trumpet Tune Aeolus Ye Blust'ring Brethren (3'25) · Symphony Song Tune. Nereid & Pan Round thy Coasts Alto, Tenor & Bass For Folded Flocks (7'07) · Song Tune Your Hay (2'40) · Venus Fairest Isle (3'37) · Soprano You say Bass 'Tis not my passion Bass But one soft Moment (4'57) · Trumpet Tune Honour St. George (4'28) · Chaconne (3'40) 'The Masque' from 'TIMON OF ATHENS' Texte de Thomas Shadwell · Overture - Air - Overture (4'24) · Duet Hark Solo Love in their little veins Trio But ah! Solo Hence with your trifling deity (6'48) · Cupid Come all Chorus Who can resist Bacchus Return, revolting rebels! (4'52) · Solo The cares of lovers Solo Love quickly is palled Duet, Chorus Come, let us agree (4'07)
