(Classical) Purcell - Odes & Welcome Songs (Damien Guillon and Le Banquet Celeste) - 2022, MP3 (tracks) 320 kbps

From Those Serene and Rapturous Joys, Z 326
01. I. Symphony
02. II. "From Those Serene and Rapturous Joys"
03. III. "Behold the Indulgent Prince is Come"
04. IV. "Welcome Home"
05. V. "Not with an Helmet or a Glittering Spear"
06. VI. "Allegro vivace"
07. VII. "Welcome as Soft Refreshing Showers"
08. VIII. "Welcome Home"
09. IX. "Welcome, More Welcome Does he Come"
10. X. "Nor Does the Sun More Comfort Bring"
11. XI. "With Trumpets and Shouts We Receive the World’s Wonder"
Fly, Bold Rebellion, Z 324
12. I. Symphony
13. II. "Fly, Bold Rebellion"
14. III. "The Plot is Displayed"
15. IV. "Then With Heart and With Voice"
16. V. "Rivers From Their Channels Turned"
17. VI "For Majesty Moves"
18. VII. "If Then We’ve Found the Want of His Rays"
19. VIII. "But Kings, Like the Sun"
20. IX. "But Heaven Has Now Dispelled Those Fears"
21. X. "Come Then, Change Your Notes"
22. XI. "But With Heart and With Voice"
23. XII. "Be Welcome Then, Great Sir"
24. XIII. "Welcome To All Those Wishes Fulfilled"
Why Are All the Muses Mute, Z 343
25. I. "Why, Why Are All the Muses Mute?"
26. II. Symphony
27. III. "When Should Each Soul Exalted Be"
28. IV. "But When for Caesar’s Welcome We Prepare?"
29. V. "Britain, Thou Now Art Great"
30. VI. "Look up, and to Our Isle Returning See"
31. VII. "Great Caesar’s Reign With Conquest Did Begin"
32. VIII. "Accursed Rebellion Reared His Head"
33. IX. "So Jove, Scarce Settled in His Sky"
34. X. "Caesar for Milder Virtues Honour’d More"
35. XI. "The Many-Headed Beast is Quelled at Home"
36. XII. "In the Equal Balance Laid"
37. XIII. "The Glory of Earth and the Darling of Heaven!"

The Odes and Welcome Songs cover the major creative period of Henry Purcell, who composed them for festive occasions. However, in contrast to the musical pomp of Versailles that was commonplace during this time, the special events in which these songs were played were attended by very few. Damien Guillon and his ensemble, Le Banquet Céleste, have explored this chamber music’s intimate beginnings, conceiving this new programme comprising of thirty-seven richly expressive pages.
Composed between 1680 and 1695, these pieces were intended to celebrate important occasions; for example, St Cecilia's Day or anniversaries such as that of King James II or Queen Mary. Others celebrate specific events, such as royal weddings, princely anniversaries or the centenary of Trinity College Dublin. Damien Guillon utilises his deep understanding of music to elevate his vocal and instrumental soloists to new artistic heights. "I like the idea of making music together in a group and uniting artists around a project," he says. Produced at the Poitiers Theatre, this new recording is full of life and joy, and is a true reflection of Guillon’s devotion to his craft.