Reviewed by Dave Massey

Judging by the pieces on this disc, this set of Purcell's anthems and services should be well worth collecting. Purcell composed in the period just following Cromwell's death when the Anglican church was restored to its former position along with the monarchy, and there was a thirst for contemporary Christian music. The first Anthem on this recording, "Blow Up The Trumpet In Sion" is astonishing to anyone who has listened to any amount of early church music, with its daring and beautiful augmented harmonies -all the more surprising given the fact that the composer was still in his teens. If that were not enough, the next piece on the disc, "The Lord Is King, Be The People Never So Impatient" boasts a marvellous falling melody on the word 'fall' painting a picture of worshippers bowing in reverence. I would have bought this recording for the first piece alone.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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