Search - Purcell, Deller Consort :: Come Ye Sons of Art

A most welcome re-release

F. Behrens | Keene, NH USA | 08/29/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Whenever I play music as interpreted by a favorite artist, I always check my positive reactions against those of other reviewers who might not be swayed by like biases. Eternally grateful to Vanguard Classics for their release on CDs the fabulous recordings of Alfred Deller, countertenor, and his Consort, I found myself loving their latest offering even before I removed the shrinkwrap. A careful check of files after hearing it revealed that back in 1959 and 1962 the critics were in accord with me. (OVC 8115) draws upon Deller material from those years (although you might not guess it from the excellent sound) and gives us four vocal pieces of Henry Purcell: "Come Ye Sons of Art: Ode on the birthday of Queen Mary, 1694)," "Rejoice in the Lord Always," "My Beloved Spake," and "Welcome to All the Pleasures: Ode on St. Cecilia's Day, 1683). The magic moment in this set is the pairing of the incomparable voices of Mark Deller and his father in the "Sound the trumpet" section of the first work. With the Deller Consort at their best and the Kalmar Chamber Orchestra, this set provides one of the loveliest 67:44 minutes in my collection and richly deserves a place in yours."

Some Of Purcell's Greatest Music.

John Austin | Kangaroo Ground, Australia | 01/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Older collectors will be grateful to have these Deller Consort recordings restored to circulation again. Younger collectors will hear on this CD some of Purcell's greatest music. The adagio section of the opening symphony to "Come Ye Sons of Art", for example, is as serenely beautiful a musical texture as can be imagined. Alfred Deller's work in re-awakening interest in vocal music from the C16 and C17, especially focusing on the counter tenor component, was well supported by Vanguard Records, who are now reissuing Deller's recordings on CD. The notes with this CD were written by Alfred Deller's son Mark. Mark became a counter tenor, like his father, and the two of them are heard in the well-known duet "Sound the Trumpet" on Track 3 of this CD.Alfred Deller gathered around him some noteworthy singers including April Cantelo, Rober Tear and Gerald English. The latter's most conspicuous contribution, "Beauty Thou Scene of Love" may be heard on Track 25, preceded by a harpsichord interpolation. Four of Purcell's masterpieces, in performances from the late 50s and early 60s, are included on this 67 minute CD."