Purcell / Tafelmusik Baroqeu Orchestra / Lamon Ayres For The Theatre CD

Although Henry Purcell lived only 36 years, he was one of the finest and most original composers of his day. His duties were divided between the royal court and the London theatres. He penned music for 40 plays, much of which was published one year after his death in a set entitled a Collection of Ayres, Compos'd for the Theatre, and upon Other Occasions. The four suites recorded here are taken from the four semi-operas: Diolesian, King Arthur, the Fairy Queen and the Indian Queen. The music is varied and entertaining, and demonstrates Purcell's infectious and unique melodic style. Also unique and infectious is the performance in this recording, Ayres for the Theatre, featuring the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Music Director JEANNE LAMON. Originally recorded in 1994, this excellent rendition has stood the test of time.

1. Overture 2. Preludio 3. Song Tune: Let the Soldiers Rejoice 4. Trumpet Tune 5. Country Dance 6. Aire 7. Hornpipe 8. Aire 9. Canaries 10. Overture 11. Aire 12. Aire 13. Song Tune: Fairest Isle 14. Hornpipe 15. Aire 16. Song Tune: How Blest Are Shepherds 17. Aire 18. Song Tune: Round Thy Coast 19. Song Tune: Come, If You Dare 20. Trumpet Tune 21. Trumpet Tune 22. Chaconne 23. Overture 24. Hornpipe 25. Aire 26. Aire 27. Rondeau 28. Preludio 29. Hornpipe 30. Overture 31. Song Tune: If Love's a Sweet Passion 32. Jigg 33. Dance for Fairies 34. Aire 4 in 2, Dance for the Followers of Night 35. Song Tune: Sing While We Trip It 36. Aire 37. Aire 38. Song Tune: Thus Happy and Free 39. Chaconne 40. Aire 41. Overture 42. Trumpet Tune 43. Trumpet Tune 44. Aire 45. Hornpipe 46. Aire 47. Hornpipe 48. Aire 49. Song Tune: We the Spirits of the Air 50. Rondeau