The Sixteen/Christophers - Henry Purcell: Royal Welcome Songs for King James II

Despite being written for the celebration of royal occasions, Purcell�s Royal Welcome Songs were penned during a time of immense disillusionment with the monarchy. Filled with humour as well as an ironic detachment from the politics of the time, Ye tuneful muses and Sound the trumpet fizz with the dramatic energy which characterised his later operas and mark a crucial turning point in Purcell�s career. This programme showcases the variety and diversity of Purcell�s writing, opening with the Chacony in G minor, which is among the great glories of music for strings, and including When on my sick bed I languish - an amazingly impassioned piece in which he bares his soul...quintessential Purcell!