Search - Henry Purcell, The Academy of Ancient Music, Sylvia Mcnair :: Sylvia McNair - The Echoing Air ~ The Music of Henry Purcell / AAM, Hogwood

Sylvia McNair - The Echoing Air ~ The Music of Henry Purcell / AAM, Hogwood
Henry Purcell, The Academy of Ancient Music, Sylvia Mcnair
Sylvia McNair - The Echoing Air ~ The Music of Henry Purcell / AAM, Hogwood
Genres: Special Interest, Pop, Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (23) - Disc #1

The stars of this recording are Christopher Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music, entertaining us with rarely-heard instrumental pieces receiving their first modern performances with the endearing poignancy inherent in...  more »

     
   
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Synopsis

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The stars of this recording are Christopher Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music, entertaining us with rarely-heard instrumental pieces receiving their first modern performances with the endearing poignancy inherent in Purcell's music. McNair's gracile voice and accurate, easy-going coloratura capture the lyricism of Purcell's songs, but none of the subtext's vibrant passion. Emotional variety and vocal color are lacking when she repeatedly calls for Gabriel in "Tell Me, Some Pitying Angel." Still, McNair's light and pure soprano is enjoyable in small doses. When three or four plaintiff songs are programmed back to back, however, the monotony presents a fabulous opportunity to lull insomniacs back to sleep. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

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CD Reviews

Music for a while shall all your cares beguile!
Basso Profondo | Texas | 10/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"If I were going to compare Sylvia McNair's voice to a gemstone, I would have to compare it to a pearl: Pure, Simple and extremely beautiful. I don't think I've ever heard a more naturally beautiful sound in my life. But what really amazes me is the seemingly effortlessness of her singing. You will never hear Sylvia McNair strain to sing a note, no matter what part of her range she is singing in. It's as if she just opens her mouth and this beautiful sound pours out. She has no trouble whatsoever navigating any of the coloratura in these arias. Her runs are precise and clear. Her vibrato is fast and even, and REALLY adds to the sheer beauty and elegance of her voice. One of the best things about her is that even though her voice is very pure and un-pretentious, it is not bland and colorless like some baroque singers. Oh no, Sylvia McNairs voice is absolute beauty from the very top of her voice, down to the very bottom. Of course, my words don't do her the justice she deserves, so please buy this album and experience for yourself the loveliness of Miss McNairs singing and artistry. I would also very much recommend her Mozart album as well."
Wonderful Surprise
C. Matsusaka | 01/01/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Normally I run in the opposite direction of any baroque music - thought I had heard it all and had enough, but I love Slyvia McNair and I wanted to hear more of her recordings. This recording was such a wonderful surprise, not only interms of McNair's performance but interms of the overall presentation (organization of the pieces) and the energy of the performances by the AAM. I have new-found appreciation of Purcell's music!"
One of my favorite CDs
C. Matsusaka | 01/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I listened to this CD, I fell in love with Sylvia McNair's artistic and beautiful voice along with Henry Purcell's music. This CD offers a style of music that I love to listen to and sing with. There is a mixture of instrumental only and vocal pieces. When I listen to this CD I feel like I have been transported to the late 1600s. The title "The Echoing Air" appropriately describes the beauty of this music."