Ode Aan Henry Purcell

Two countertenors, two recorders and a three-man continuo group: a magnificent and rarely heard combination. This is the instrumentation of ‘An Ode on the death of Mr. Henry Purcell’ by John Blow. Purcell died 330 years ago in November 1695. The ‘British Orpheus’ was already immensely popular in his time. His aria ‘In vain the am’rous flute’ from Ode on St. Caecilia’s Day has the same instrumentation as Blow’s ode. This moving music is performed by two young promising Dutch countertenors, together with instrumentalists who have more than earned their spurs in the world of early music. The vocal pieces are alternated with organ music and a trio sonata by Purcell.