Apr
22
2008
Podcast: The Theatre Music of Henry Purcell
Posted by: Raymond in Enhanced Shows, Podcasts, Regular ShowsNote: This post is over 3 months old. You may want to check later in this blog to see if there is new information.
An introduction to the theatre music of the great English composer Henry Purcell, in a new CD featuring the Aradia Ensemble under the direction of Kevin Mallon.
Purcell is still one of the most popular of all composers, and his music has been copied or borrowed by everyone from Benjamin Britten to Michael Nyman.
Album details…
Catalogue No.: Naxos 8.570149
Tags: 8.570149, Andrea Jeffrey, Brian Duyn, conductor, English Baroque music, Giles Tomkins, Henry Purcell, John Dryden, Kevin Mallon, Michelle Kettrick, Naxos Classical Music Spotlight, Nicole Bower, Peter Mahon, Rosalind McArthur, The Aradia Ensemble, Theatre Music, vocal soloists Neil Aronoff
Entries (RSS)
April 28th, 2008 at 9:59 am
What a wonderful podcast highlighting the fantastic theater music of Purcell. A number of films were mentioned that have used Purcell’s music, but you forgot the film “Restoration” about Charles II. The soundtrack is either Purcell’s or based upon his works. Listening to the podcast, I realized that Purcell would have probably been a film composer has he lived today - his music conveys so much emotion!!! Thanks for bringing him back to my attention.
April 29th, 2008 at 12:09 am
Hi Jeremy,
You are right, the film Restoration does have soundtrack full of Purcell.
I especially liked your suggestion that Purcell might have been a film composer had he lived today. In fact, it’s likely that any composer who composed operas might have tried their hand a film composing, had it been invented.
Thanks for taking the time to email us
Raymond
May 1st, 2008 at 2:07 am
You mentioned at some point in this podcast the Medieval practice of making Biblical stories accessible to the illiterate by having them acted out to music. Do happen to have a reference to this practice? I would love to have that if you have it. Thanks for the great podcasts!
May 11th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Great job Raymond!
Kevin (Mallon)
May 13th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Music, particularly ambient music, provides an opportunity to create emotionally engaging drama when connected with the acting of a play. Ambient music can evoke emotions from sadness and fear to happiness and relaxation.