Credits:

John Eliot Gardiner

Description:

Purcell, a great 17th-century English composer, left behind a diverse body of work, including liturgical music for the Church of England and music for royal ceremonies. Saint Cecilia, mentioned in (1), is the patron saint of music. Purcell wrote as many as four anthems in honor of this saint, and this piece is considered the finest among them. Gardiners precise direction fully brings out the beauty of Purcells music. (2) features music performed on the occasion of Queen Marys birthday celebrations and her funeral. This is one of Gardiners early recordings, performed on modern instruments prior to the formation of the English Baroque Soloists, who play period instruments. It gently immerses the listener in a solemn world woven from beautiful harmonies. An outstanding recording recommended by Tetsuo Nagaoka.Warner Music Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Hail! Bright Cecilia: Symphony