COMPOSERS: Purcell
LABELS: Naxos
WORKS: The Fairy Queen
PERFORMER: The Scholars Baroque Ensemble
CATALOGUE NO: 8.550660/1 DDD (2 discs)
The Scholars Baroque Ensemble includes some delightfully fresh vocal newcomers and a sparkling band of instrumentalists. Everyone seems a little nervous at first: odd notes are carelessly placed, quietly sung words lack final consonants. But Coridon’s slapstick wooing of his (transvestite) Mopsa is priceless. The Act V masque is a high point, for Purcell and the Scholars. No ardent Purcellian should miss this treat to lighten the darkest mood. George Pratt
Purcell: The Fairy Queen
The Scholars Baroque Ensemble includes some delightfully fresh vocal newcomers and a sparkling band of instrumentalists. Everyone seems a little nervous at first: odd notes are carelessly placed, quietly sung words lack final consonants. But Coridon’s slapstick wooing of his (transvestite) Mopsa is priceless. The Act V masque is a high point, for Purcell and the Scholars. No ardent Purcellian should miss this treat to lighten the darkest mood. George Pratt
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:32 pm