Barokorkest B'Rock & Innsbrucker Festivalchor . Timothy Brown

If you go along with the diehards who still believe in the fable that the death of Henry Purcell on 21st November 1695 reduced English musical life to a provincial level in one foul swoop, then you need to attend this concert. If however, you belong to those who know that this fable is not true, you won't want to miss out on this concert. Similarly, you'll also know that many other musicians, who came after Purcell's death, took up the mantle and ensured that England continued to play an important role in musical life for decades. The best proof lies in this series of five excellent 'Odes on the Death of Mr. Henry Purcell'; the masterpieces by Blow and Clarke are particularly captivating. This music could have been written specially for B'Rock, the early music revelation of the last few years. They also excel in Purcell's grand 'Ode for St. Cecilia's Day', Handel's triumphant 'Te Deum' and Blow's intriguing dramatic suite from 'The Tempest'.