So when the Glitt'ring Queen of night - Henry Purcell - Andy Staples and La Nuova Musica

Our latest release in our Purcell's Finest Verses series features Andy Staples singing 'So when the Glitt'ring Queen of the night' from Henry Purcell's ode, the Yorkshire Feast Song.
"An Ode on the Assembly of the Nobility and Gentry of the City and County of York, at the Anniversary Feast, March the 27th, 1690. Set to Musick by Mr. Henry Purcell. One of the finest Compositions he ever made." Thomas D'Urfey (librettist)
In the seventeenth century, it was a regular custom that natives of certain counties and towns and scholars of various schools would meet annually in London. They would attend a church service, and afterwards adjourn for a celebratory feast. As William and Mary were crowned in Yorkshire, there was more topical material available than usual, and the Stewards commissioned the best available author and composer to celebrate in ‘a very splendid Entertainment of all sorts of Vocal and Instrumental Musick’.
In this tenor solo, Purcell uses a hypnotic ground bass, just five notes long, also utilised in the main melody. D’Urfey’s text here is inspired, and Purcell’s reaction to it is breathtaking in its calm, nocturnal poise and its ravishing harmonies. The second section in particular is glorious with its pictorialisation of ‘the globe that swells’ and the shaft of soft light that Purcell brings by the brief use of the major key at the word ‘ray’.
Historical information from Robert King.
We would be extremely grateful if you would consider supporting us with this project. Thank you to everyone who has already donated.
We are accepting donations via Text (see below) and our Just Giving Campaign.
www.justgiving...
If you would like to support this online series by text, please text LNM 5 to 70085 to donate £5.
Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to give £5 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text LNMNOINFO 5 to 70085.
To donate smaller or larger amounts by text, simply swap the number 5 for the amount of money that you would like to donate. Texts will then cost the donation amount plus one standard rate message.

[@GailitisPrintmaking]

This is one of my all-time favourite songs! Love it!

[@misssarahashplant31]

A wonderful performance by all involved and lovely singing by Andy Staples.

[@wendhyrodriguez1472]

Spectacular! This is so precious... thanks for sharing!👏🏼👏🏼

[@amitabhaa]

Love love love Andrew's singing

[@CATHERINEGERBER]

waow! thank you all for the beauty, your amazing talent...

[@Lina-nj1vg]

❤

[@lutzderlurch7877]

Is your music available as a CD or on itunes somewhere? It is simply amazing

[@Stoertebekerxyz]

Viel zu wenig Aufrufe.