A welcome opera to any listener diverted by the rich musical world of the 18th century. London, capital of that derided ‘land without music’, was the creative crucible of the day, the destination and then home of many foreign luminaries including Handel, J.C. Bach and then Haydn. John Galliard’s Pan and Syrinx achieved a name for itself and its composer just as Handel was in the ascendant in the early decades of the century with masterpieces such as Rinaldo and Acis and Galatea.
Galliard’s subject was also along the classical lines so
much in demand at the time: nymphs and shepherds, to be sure, but ones characterised by a sure touch for vocal lines and a forward-looking eye and ear for harmony. It is coupled here, as it often was at the time, with a delicious masque from Purcell’s music for Shakespeare’s Timon of Athens. Thorough research has been undertaken to prepare and present the most ‘authentic’ first recording possible by the period musicians of Musica ad Rhenum, including care over the particular pronunciation of Restoration English.
Other information:
- First recording.
- Includes a booklet introduction, written by Jed Wentz.
- Libretto included.
