Composer of the Week - Henry Purcell (1659-1695) - Episode 3

Donald Macleod and Bruce Wood discuss Purcell's earliest theatrical jobs, looking at what effect the political intrigues of the time had on Purcell's other jobs as a court and church musician. Versatility was a necessity in Purcell's age. Early on in his career he successfully dipped his toe into theatrical waters, producing some hit music for Nathaniel Lee's Theodosius. Part of Radio 3's Composers of the Year 2009 season. Air (Abdelazer) The Academy of Ancient Music Christopher Hogwood (conductor) Decca 475 5292 CD1 T3 Hail to the myrtle shade (Theodosius) Judith Nelson (soprano) James Bowman (countertenor) The Academy of Ancient Music Christopher Hogwood (conductor) Decca 4786 5292 CD4 T21 Fly, bold Rebellion! Z324 Gillian Fisher, Tessa Bonner (soprano) James Bowman (countertenor) Rogers Covey-Crump (high tenor) Rufus Muller, Michael George (bass) King's Consort Robert King (director) Hyperion CDA 66412 T1 Dido and Aeneas (Act 2, Sc 1; Act 3, Sc 2) Catherine Bott, Emma Kirkby (soprano) John Mark Ainsley (tenor) Chorus and orchestra of The Academy of Ancient Music Christopher Hogwood (conductor) I was glad The Choir of Christ Church Cathedral choir, Oxford Simon Preston (director).