Johannes Climacus | Beverly, Massachusetts | 08/31/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Never mind that the soloists sometimes sound as if they strayed onto the Restoration stage from D'Oyly Carte, and that the instruments are modern: Lewis's classic recording of *King Arthur* is a supreme achievement--arguably the most enchanting ever made of a Purcell "semi-opera." Under Lewis's direction a work which can sound merely quaint springs vividly to life, so that one is astonished anew at the inexhaustible fecundity of Purcell's imagination. I could do with less vibrato from vocalists and string-players, but what matters more is that eveyone (particularly the harpsichordist--is it Thurston Dart?) seems to be having a whale of a good time. And so does the listener. Mackerras's *Indian Queen* is scarcely less impressive, though a bit more sober as befits its darker, more chromatic writing. With two major stage works of Purcell under one bargain-priced cover, what are you waiting for?"
Track Listings (23) - Disc #1