Carolyn Sampson has enjoyed notable success worldwide in repertoire ranging from early Baroque to the present day. She is in high demand by leading opera companies around the world, and regularly makes recital appearances too. Following the success of her first release ‘Not Just Dowland’; we are now delighted to present her second release on the Wigmore Hall Live label. She is joined by some of Britain’s most exciting exponents of historical performance – lutenist Elizabeth Kenny, harpsichordist Laurence Cummings, and viol player Jonathan Manson. 

The leading ensemble examines the colourful world of Purcell songs. Unlike his European counterparts, Purcell was unused to the traditionally operatic terms and was unconstrained by them. Ignorance was certainly bliss in this case; for him ‘Song’ was a performers’ medium. Through the course of this recital, recorded live at Wigmore Hall, we hear the musicians discovering and revealing the meaning of the texts, as they bring to life the works with sensitivity and charm.