Passacaglia from King Arthur - Henry Purcell

An astonishing perfomance by the English Concert and Choir, conducted from the harpsichord by Trevor Pinnock, shining with emotional and technical perfection. I felt nothing but pure euphoria when listening to their recording of Henry Purcell's semi-opera King Arthur, Z 628, 1691, and especially from the hauntingly beautiful Passacaglia from Act IV.

I am sure you fellow YouTubers will feel the same way about it after listening to this magnificent piece, but of course, YouTube will never do it justice, considering the low sound quality.

Originally recorded in 1991, this one is found on a 2003 compilation album.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• classical
• passacaglia
• passacaille
• opera
• semi-opera
• semi
• henry
• purcell
• king
• arthur
• baroque
• english
• concert
• trevor
• pinnock

[seaxwielder]

Some extraordinary comments here, almost smacking of envy by our 'continental neigbours' especially the French.

Purcell's music was not derivative.True genius is in thrall only to the gods not mortals.

[ampy1950]

Absolutely brilliant! Omitting repeats, the lyrics sung here are:- How happy the lover, how easy his chain How sweet to discover he sighs not in vain. For love every creature is formed by his nature No joys are above the pleasures of love. In vain are our graces, in vain are your eyes In vain are our graces, if love you despise When age furrows faces, 'tis too late to be wise. Then use the sweet blessing while now in possessing No joys are above the pleasures of love.

[HenriNioto]

Le passage des voix à 3:16 est un moment de pure beauté, qui évoque en mon coeur l'immortel entortillement des voix précédent la partie finale du 4eme mouvement de la 9eme symphonie de Beethov. Ici, la voix féminine superposé à la voix plus grave de l'homme est une apothéose d'émotion musicale.

[TheChoralChick]

Wow, this performance is absolutely sublime. Going to see a live performance this Saturday (Kairos Consort) - what a treat! Would like to get the cd this recording is from. Thanks for posting for us!

[sperner]

Le genre de la passacaille dans toute sa splendeur

[minagirlie]

Oh my goodness be still my squeeing heart! Thank you @Zarataphs for posting this, this is by far the most beautiful performance of this piece ever!

[Stijn9019]

@sweetjoybefallthee powerfull knowledge you got there

[sweetjoybefallthee]

@Stijn9019 None sweetie.

[Stijn9019]

@sweetjoybefallthee and how many libraries did you have to consult just to know?

[sweetjoybefallthee]

@Stijn9019 No, you're just a homo.

[Stijn9019]

this is awesome .. i was listening the instrumental part and slightly dozing off and then these voices came in and i sort of ovulated.. and i'm not even a girl

[val590211]

magical, wonderful...