The Lege Artis Chamber Choir will perform several
Henry Purcell works this Friday.The works of 17th century English composer Henry Purcell will be brought to life in St Petersburg this Friday, November 24 -- the 300th anniversary of the composer's death.
British soloists and two Russian ensembles will fill the Shostakovich Grand Hall of the St Petersburg Philharmonia with the glorious sounds of three of Purcell's finest odes -- works written in the last years of the composer's short and tempestuous existence.
Counter-tenors William Turner and Nicholas Clapton, bass Quentin Hayes and baroque trumpeters Robert Vanryne and David Hendry have flown out from Britain, bringing copies of 17th century instruments in use when Purcell lived and wrote.
This British quintet of performers will combine with St Petersburg ensembles Musica Antiqua Russica and the Lege Artis Chamber Choir to perform "Come, Ye Sons of Art," "Hail, Bright Cecilia" and "Song for the Duke of Gloucester's Birthday," exactly as Purcell intended them to be played.
The Lege Artis Chamber Choir are one of the finest in the world, and are all past students of St Petersburg's Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory. Their Latin name means "By the Law of Art" and they have already brought their art to Europe and America on extensive tours, as well as making several recordings for the music giant Sony.
Musica Antiqua Russica are one of the very few groups in Russia which play early music. They are spearheading a movement which is just taking off in Russia.
Although performances on authentic instruments are becoming more common in Britain, they are almost unheard of in Russia.
These instruments are smaller and more delicate than the modern equivalents and so provide a much more intimate sound. The harpsichord and the counter-tenor voice, which are drowned by a modern orchestra, fall into their natural setting among the instruments which were intended to accompany them.
Purcell is especially renowned for his ability to set poetry to music, providing dramatic and appropriate settings which bring the verses to life. He often worked with his contemporary and friend, the poet John Dryden.
Purcell was court composer at the time of his demise at age 36. His death on the eve of St Cecilia's Day, the patron saint of music, came less than a year after the death from smallpox of his patron and friend Queen Mary.
"Come, Ye Sons of Art" is one of a series of moving and delightful odes composed to mark the Queen's birthday in 1694.
The shatteringly mournful music Purcell wrote for Queen Mary's funeral was also played on the occasion of the young man's burial in Westminster Abbey.
This event has been arranged partly by the British Council which is running a series of concerts in collaboration with the Philharmonia, typically of British music.
Future events include a visit by the Westminster Abbey Choir next April.