Henry Purcell: Royal Odes (CD)

Welcome Song for King James Z 343 (Why, why are all the Muses mute)
Why, why are all the muses mute?
Sinfonia
When should each soul exalted be
Britain, thou now art great
Look up, and to our isle returning see
Accursed rebellion reared his head
So Jove, scarce settled in his sky
Menuett – Caesar, for milder virtues
The many headed beast is quelled
In the equal balance laid
O, how blest is the isle
Birthday Ode for Queen Mary Z 332 (Now does the glorious Day appear)
Sinfonia
Now does the glorious day appear
Not any one such joy could bring
This does our fertile isle with glory crown
Now does the glorious day appear
It was a work of full as great a weight
By beauteous softness mixed with majesty
Her hero to whose conduct
Our dear religion, with our law’s defence
No more shall we the great Eliza boast
Now, now with one united voice
Birthday Ode for Queen Mary Z 338 (Welcome, welcome, glorious Morn)
Sinfonia
Welcome, welcome, glorious morn
At thy return the joyful earth
Welcome as when three happy kingdoms strove
The mighty goddess of this wealthy isle
Full of wonder and delight
And lo, a sacred fury – To lofty strains
My prayers are heard – I see the round years
He to the field by honour called shall go
Whilst undisturbed his happy consort reigns
Sound, all ye spheres

Carolyn Sampson, Emily Owen, Iestyn Davies, Charles Daniels, The King’s Consort, Robert King