In quest of the (Baroque) Indies. The subject, synonymous with exoticism in Europe in the Golden Age, pits Aztecs against Incas on the stage: Purcell died before finishing the music, but what he left to accompany this staged entertainment is nonetheless a swan-song of exceptional beauty.
HENRY PURCELL [1659-1695] The Indian Queen, Z. 630 · Overture (4'26) · Prologue (4'48) · Acte I Wake, Quivera, wake (Boy) (9'31) · Acte II Symphony (4'31) · I come to sing (Fame and chorus) (1'42) · What flattering noise (Envy and two followers) (3'10) · Begone (Fame) (1'59) · Acte III Symphony (0'57) · Ye twice ten hundred deities (Ismeron) (5'04) · Seek not to know (God of dreams) (4'16)
The Indian Queen, Z. 630 · Trumpet overture (2'42) · Ah! how happy we are. We the spirits of the air (Aerial spirits) (4'00) · I attempt to love's sickness (Aerial spirits) (1'48) · We the spirits of the air (Aerial spirits) (3'16) · Acte IV They tell us (Ozaria) (3'32) · Acte V While thus (Chorus) (5'04) Timon of Athens, Z. 632 · Overture (4'31) · "Hark! how the songsters of the grove" (6'50) · "Come all, come all to me" (4'56) · "The care of lovers" (4'09)
