Henry Purcell arguably was Europe’s greatest song composer before Schubert and certainly was the most prolific. Like Schubert, Purcell not only lived a relatively short life (barely 36 years) but in similar fashion, the scope of his subject matter embraced nearly every aspect of his often turbulent time. Purcell was a countertenor, and his music couldn’t be better served than by countertenor extraordinaire Gérard Lesne, whose new recording offers a diverse selection of songs that amply attest to the composer’s remarkable invention, versatility, and range.
Lesne’s performance of the familiar title selection “O Solitude, my sweetest choice!” is outstanding as the singer delivers what must be the slowest, most heartfelt rendering ever. Lesne’s performance of Purcell’s equally celebrated “If music be the food of love” is knowingly animated, especially when compared to Drew Minter’s tonally opaque treatment (Harmonia Mundi) and both of Nancy Argenta’s less-expressive accounts (Virgin Classics), placing it firmly on par with my reference recording–tenor Howard Crook’s deft, seamless performance on Deutsche Harmonia Mundi.
Lesne fittingly concludes the program with “An Evening Hymn (Now, now that the sun hath veil’d his light)”, bidding the world adieu in one of Purcell’s most sublime, stately marches. Here (and throughout) Blandine Rannou’s subtle positif organ continuo perfectly complements Lesne’s delivery. Il Seminario Musicale (founded by Lesne nearly 20 years ago) delivers stylish, expert performances, all faithfully captured in richly detailed sonics worthy of audiophile attention. This is one of the finest recitals of its kind and couldn’t be more warmly recommended. [10/11/2003]
