Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin & Vocalconsort Berlin

The fact that Purcell also appeals to the hearts of German musicians is effortlessly demonstrated by these two top ensembles from Berlin. The main theme of their concert is the religious music by Henry Purcell and his friend and mentor John Blow. Both composers wrote a large number of 'anthems', the Anglican Church's answer to the German protestant cantata, which is sometimes carefree and full of praise, and then reverts to an intense reflection on man's difficult struggle with his earthly existence. The crown jewel in Purcell's religious art is none other than the 'Funeral Sentences for Queen Mary'. It is not only a heartrending reflection on human mortality, but also a highly personal account of the departure of Purcell's beloved sovereign. The fact that this music, seasoned with dissonance and uneasy harmonies, was heard at Purcell's own funeral scarcely a few months later makes it even more touching and special.