Search - Michael George, Henry Purcell, James Bowman :: The Secular Songs of Henry Purcell, Vol. 2

Purcell fans will delight in this collection of 30 of his 85 secular songs. Barbara Bonney, singing with ease and controlled fervor, steals the recording with her endearing sound and impeccable musicianship. Soprano Susan Gritton brings a more dramatic perspective, singing with zest and a little edge that almost, but never quite, grates. Sometimes, however, she vibrates mildly out of control. Tenors Charles Daniels and Roger Covey-Crump sing with grace, joviality, and tenderness, but both are a little shallow throughout the bottom. Countertenor James Bowman occasionally stumbles with intonation, but always lands standing upright. This buffet of various voices captivates the listener's attention span, totally avoiding potential monotony. --Barbara Eisner Bayer