Koor & Orkest Collegium Vocale Gent . Philippe Herreweghe

As court composer, Henry Purcell regularly had to compose odes at the behest of members of the Royal family. This practice was established immediately after the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II in 1660 and grew into an English tradition that was upheld well into the eighteenth century. Purcell wrote around twenty pieces. 'Who can from joy refrain?' from 1695 was Purcell's last ode, which he wrote in honour of the Duke of Gloucester's (the son of Princess Anne) birthday. It is a noticeably nimble piece, full of memorable melodic ideas. Three years previously, he created a lengthy ode for the saint's day of Cecilia, patron saint of music. This is one of Purcell's most impressive pieces. This 45 minute-long hymn bears testament to the power of music. Purcell weaves bright colours, infectious rhythms and irresistible 'grounds' or variations on a leading ostinato in the bass, yet another typical English contribution to Baroque music. The programme is completed by Purcell's Te Deum with its lavish instrumentation. The foundations of this work are provided by several vocal soloists, unlike Handel's Te Deum, where the chorus plays the leading part.