Purcell: Ten Sonatas in Four Parts - HMV Choice

English composer Henry Purcell is perhaps best known for his wonderfully moving music for voices. His rare instrumental chamber works were, unfortunately, neglected for many years, only to be rediscovered as part of our era's renewed interest in the Baroque.

The much-admired ‘Golden Sonata' (Sonata IX) is included here, though there is certainly much else to savour. Purcell often reminds us that the brave use of experimental dissonance is not only a feature of our own musical era and his own native style engages boldly with contemporary continental influences to thrilling effect.

This recording not only marks and celebrates Purcell's 350th birthday, but is also a wonderful debut for the Retrospect Trio, a Baroque ‘supergroup' newly signed to the Linn label. Formerly known at The King's Consort, they relaunched their career after the departure of former member and leader Robert King. Here they ably and energetically illustrate their stated aim - "to bring the music of the past alive".