Purcell : Hail ! Bright Cecilia
With Hail! Bright Cecilia, Purcell honours the patron saint of music in a magnificent ode that epitomises the English Baroque. Composed in 1692, it captures the artistic vitality of seventeenth-century England. Vincent Dumestre and Le Poème Harmonique bring out its full expressive richness in a performance both vibrant and finely nuanced.
HENRY PURCELL (1659-1695)
HAIL! BRIGHT CECILIA
Ode à Sainte Cécile, Z. 328 · John Blow : Welcome every guest
Charlotte La Thrope · Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian · Hugo Hymas · Tomáš Král
Le Poème Harmonique
Vincent Dumestre, conductor
With Hail! Bright Cecilia, Henry Purcell, herald of the British Baroque, pays tribute to the patron saint of music through a score widely regarded as one of his masterpieces. Composed in 1692, this ode reflects both the artistic effervescence of 17th-century England and the central role of music in society at the time. Vincent Dumestre and Le Poème Harmonique reveal the full expressive richness of Purcell’s writing in a performance where jubilant brilliance, lyrical delicacy, and dramatic contrasts unfold with infectious vitality. Alternating between recitatives, solo arias, and sumptuous choruses, the score showcases Purcell’s mastery of musical dramaturgy, balancing orchestral refinement with controlled theatricality.
Recorded from March 15th to 19th 2024 at the Royal Chapel of the Palace of Versailles.
You may find the booklet, available in French and English, by clicking here.
You may find this recording on our online shop by clicking here.
- Genre Concert
- Period 17th century
- Collection Château de Versailles Spectacles
- pieces Hail ! Bright Cécilia
- Composer Purcell
- Musical Ensemble Le Poème Harmonique
- Conductor Vincent Dumestre
- Soloists Charlotte La Thrope · Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian Hugo Hymas · Tomáš Král
- Duration 62'29
HENRY PURCELL (1659-1695)
HAIL! BRIGHT CECILIA
Ode à Sainte Cécile, Z. 328 · John Blow : Welcome every guest
Charlotte La Thrope · Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian · Hugo Hymas · Tomáš Král
Le Poème Harmonique
Vincent Dumestre, conductor
With Hail! Bright Cecilia, Henry Purcell, herald of the British Baroque, pays tribute to the patron saint of music through a score widely regarded as one of his masterpieces. Composed in 1692, this ode reflects both the artistic effervescence of 17th-century England and the central role of music in society at the time. Vincent Dumestre and Le Poème Harmonique reveal the full expressive richness of Purcell’s writing in a performance where jubilant brilliance, lyrical delicacy, and dramatic contrasts unfold with infectious vitality. Alternating between recitatives, solo arias, and sumptuous choruses, the score showcases Purcell’s mastery of musical dramaturgy, balancing orchestral refinement with controlled theatricality.
Recorded from March 15th to 19th 2024 at the Royal Chapel of the Palace of Versailles.
You may find the booklet, available in French and English, by clicking here.
You may find this recording on our online shop by clicking here.
- Genre Concert
- Period 17th century
- Collection Château de Versailles Spectacles
- pieces Hail ! Bright Cécilia
- Composer Purcell
- Musical Ensemble Le Poème Harmonique
- Conductor Vincent Dumestre
- Soloists Charlotte La Thrope · Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian Hugo Hymas · Tomáš Král
- Duration 62'29
