Christopher Purves, Simon Lepper – My Soul, What Fear You? (2023)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/192 kHz | Time – 55:54 minutes | 1,72 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Kings College Cambridge
This is the first song album by the well-known bass-baritone Christopher Purves, who is accompanied here by one of Britain’s finest pianists, Simon Lepper. In addition to piano songs, Bach’s aria Ich habe genug is presented as well as excerpts from Hanns Eisler’s Hollywood Songbook and Kurt Weill’s Berliner Requiem in original arrangements with accordion, saxophone, guitar, flute and double bass.
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Lucy Crowe, Andrew Staples, Christopher Purves – Handel: Messiah (2014)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 02:15:25 minutes | 2,41 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Erato – Warner Classics
A spectacular version on period instruments in historically informed style, Emmanuelle Haïm’s rendition of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah with Le Concert d’Astrée was among the finest to appear in 2014. Vigorous in rhythm and brisk in tempo, the performance is extremely lively and exciting, without a trace of traditional religiosity or stodginess, and the drama inherent in Handel’s music is brilliantly realized in the energetic singing and playing. Featuring soprano Lucy Crowe, countertenor Andrew Staples, tenor Tim Mead, and bass Christopher Purves in a well-balanced quartet, and a chamber choir and orchestra that are as limber as they are lean, the oratorio moves at a rapid clip and takes little time to brood. Even the customarily slow numbers move along at a comfortable walking pace, and Haïm ensures that they maintain interest through transparent textures, fresh ornamentation, and forward momentum. This interpretation may be a little too exciting for listeners who like their Messiah reflective and reverent, but fans of the streamlined counterpoint and scintillating timbres of Baroque performance practice will enjoy the vitality and bright sonorities of this recording. Highly recommended, whether on CD, SACD, or digital download.
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