A Conversation for Henry Purcell (1659 - 1695)

Across the centuries

Post 1

Wol

Purcell's music has been fantastically influential on other composers; his harmonic inventiveness remains astounding.

One real treat, for those of us who like that sort of thing, is 'Orpheus Britannicus', a project by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears to edit and 'realise' some of the songs and opera arias of Purcell. The effect is similar to Britten's arrangement of British folk songs - strong melodies, with incredibly intelligent and insightful accompaniments. Extraordinary music - both solidly 17th century and recognisably 20th century. This could only have happened through (if I could put it this way) the collaboration between two musical geniusus who understood each other perfectly, though they lived 300 years apart.


Across the centuries

Post 2

Just zis Guy, you know? † Cyclist [A690572] :: At the 51st centile of ursine intelligence

I must look it up - I had never heard of this.


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