James Bowman's 1988 recording with Robert King and the King's Consort points up the overwhelming significance of vocal music in Henry Purcell's output, though it does so to the utter exclusion of any of his instrumental works. While other compilations of Purcell's songs usually include a smattering of consort pieces for the sake of variety, Bowman's is sung from start to finish, and in most cases this British countertenor is supported only by basso continuo. Appreciating this Hyperion recording, then, requires a liking or ...
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James Bowman's 1988 recording with Robert King and the King's Consort points up the overwhelming significance of vocal music in Henry Purcell's output, though it does so to the utter exclusion of any of his instrumental works. While other compilations of Purcell's songs usually include a smattering of consort pieces for the sake of variety, Bowman's is sung from start to finish, and in most cases this British countertenor is supported only by basso continuo. Appreciating this Hyperion recording, then, requires a liking or at least a tolerance for a high male voice with a light tone, which can be a lot to take in one sitting. Bowman's execution is quite clean and precise, and his sense of pitch is flawless. But problems lie in his breath control, which seems inconsistent; in his tone, which is often too flute-like and round; and in his diction, which isn't especially clear or crisp. Without a prior understanding of the texts, the songs tend to blur into one another, and Bowman doesn't sufficiently...
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Add this copy of Purcell's Most Admirable Composures to cart. $10.00, like new condition, Sold by Streetlight_Records rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Cruz, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by HYPERION.
