Having already recorded Purcell’s 1683 ode for St Cecilia’s day, Welcome to All the Pleasures, Vincent Dumestre and his aptly named ensemble Le Poème Harmonique now turn their attention to one of the composer’s most beloved masterpieces, the 1692 ode Hail! Bright Cecilia. As a bonus we are treated to the first recording of the original version of Welcome, Every Guest, a shorter ode by Purcell’s older contemporary John Blow.
Dumestre revels in the celebratory character of both pieces and elicits singing and playing characterised by fine detail and expressive flair. An appealing lineup of young vocal soloists showcases the considerable talents of this generation. Czech baritone Tomáš Král sets a joyous sense of occasion in both works. His exuberant colouring of the opening word in Purcell’s Wondrous machine is counterpointed with some excellent wind playing. He is well matched with fellow baritone Vlad Crosman in Let these amongst themselves contest.
French countertenor Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian gives well shaded accounts of Purcell’s florid ’Tis nature’s voice and The airy violin, yet he is best in The fife and all the Harmony of War. English tenor Hugo Hymas’ ascent in the early music firmament continues unabated aided by a technique that enables enviable agility and a beguiling, honeyed tone, as evidenced by In vain Am’rous flute, while compatriot, soprano Charlotte La Thrope uses her sweet, amiable tone to good effect in Thou turn’st the world.
Dumestre’s chorus, while perhaps not quite as incisive as some of their English counterparts, do however bring committed energy to the final choruses of both works, supported the buoyant, rhythmic dynamism of the orchestra. Especially if you are new to these works, do welcome the pleasures of this recording.
Title: Purcell, Blow
Works: Hail! Bright Cecilia
Performers: Le Poème Harmonique/Vincent Dumestre
Label: Château de Versailles Spectacles CVS151
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