On her first solo recital for BIS, Gramophone Award-winner Helen Charlston performs a selection of songs by the English composer Henry Purcell, some very well-known, others less so, as well as pieces by other composers of the period such as John Blow, John Eccles, Christopher Simpson and Daniel Purcell, Henry's son. Her choice focuses on songs that tell stories exploring the struggle between heart and mind: do we fall in love through reason or because fate destined it to be so?Concerning her special relationship with Purcell, Charlston explains that she finds herself making space for his songs in almost every programme she creates. She adds that his addictive music holds a power over her she cannot and does not want to escape, and this specific programme is a special acknowledgement of the fact that Purcell's music has become an essential part of her identity as a singer. For this release, Helen Charlston is joined by the ensemble Sounds Baroque: Julian Perkins (harpsichord/organ), Jonathan Manson and William Carter (theorbo/baroque guitar), three musicians whose expertise and love for this music, she says, overflow in every note they play.

Tracklist:

I love and I must, Z. 382
Music for a While, No. 2 (from Oedipus, Z. 583)
Hymn, "Tell me, some pitying angel" The Blessed Virgin's Expostulation, Z. 196
Divisions in D major (from The Division Viol) [bass viol, with harpsichord and theorbo]
What a sad fate is mine, Z. 428
If music be the food of love, Z. 379c (third version)
fatal hour comes on apace, Z. 421
Cares of Lovers No. 10 (from The History of Timon of Athens, The Man-Hater, Z. 632)
I attempt from Love's sickness (from The Indian Queen, Z. 630, Act III)
Restless in thought (from She ventures, and he wins)
Morlake Ground [harpsichord solo]
If music be the food of love, Z. 379a (First Version)
Morpheus thou gentle god
O Solitude, my sweetest choice, Z. 406

UPC: 7318599927343
Label: Bis
Release Date: 5.23.25
Format: CD

Charlston / Manson - If The Fates Allow - Music By Purcell & His (CD)