The Early Music Show - Purcell Weekend - Purcell Keyboard Suites

As part of Radio 3's Purcell celebrations, Lucie Skeaping presents a programme of the composer's keyboard suites performed by BBC New Generation Artist Mahan Esfahani. Purcell's eight keyboard suites were published posthumously by his widow Frances in A Choice Collection of Lessons for the harpsichord and Spinnet. Esfahani plays a selection of these suites and other dance movements on an English bentside spinet made by Miles Hellon, based on an anonymous instrument dating from the 1690s. Playlist: All music performed by Mahan Esfahani, specially recorded for the programme. Esfahani plays on an English bentside spinet by Miles Hellon, based on an anonymous instrument dating from the 1690s, and loaned by Peter Benton-Smith. Purcell: Suite No 1 segue to: Anon: Gavott and New Irish Tune Purcell: Suite No 5 Purcell: Suite No 2; Hornpipe in B flat; Chaconne Purcell: New Ground (based on an air from his ode Welcome to All the Pleasures) segue to: John Blow: Mortlake Ground Purcell: Suite No 7; Ground in D minor; Suite No 6 Purcell: From Rosy Bowers Elizabeth Watts (soprano) Mahan Esfahani (harpsichord).